The Effect of Different Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Trainings on Pulmonary Function, Respiratory and Peripheral Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity and Balance in Children With Bronchiectasis

The Effect of Different Virtual Reality-Based Exercise Trainings on Pulmonary Function, Respiratory and Peripheral Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity and Balance in Children With Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is defined as abnormal, chronic and permanent enlargement of one or more bronchi. Disease symptoms; often productive cough, dyspnea, fatigue and wheezing. Changing pulmonary mechanics, inadequate gas exchange, decreased muscle mass and associated psychological problems may cause dyspnea, decreased exercise capacity and health-related quality of life. Exercise training as a part of pulmonary rehabilitation is used to reduce the severity of symptoms; is an effective treatment to improve exercise capacity and health status. Virtual reality based exercise training has taken its place in many areas of rehabilitation as a current and new approach. In the studies in the literature, Nintendo Wii Fit games are an effective, motivating, entertaining and clinically useful method for reducing symptoms in the rehabilitation of chronic lung diseases. Wii Fit games generally include strengthening, aerobics and balance exercises. Developed by BreathingLabs, Breathing Games, which is based on breathing exercises, are a new product, a virtual reality application that has been included in a limited number of studies, has shown its effect on reducing respiratory problems and is open to research effects for many patient groups. The importance of this study is that it will be the first study on Nintendo Wii Fit games based exercise training and Breathing Games based breathing exercises training in children with bronchiectasis.

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different virtual reality-based exercise trainings on pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity and balance in children with bronchiectasis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Bronchiectasis diagnosis
• Stable clinical condition (no exacerbation in last 4 weeks)

Exclusion Criteria:

• Documented diagnosis of vestibular, neurological or orthopedic disorders which may affect balance and mobility
• Subjects previously involved in exercise training or physiotherapy programs
• Previous history of lung or liver transplantation