Breathing Control Exercises in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

Impact of Occupational Therapy With Breathing Control Exercises in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

The purpose of this study is to test whether breathing control exercises embedded in occupational therapy sessions have an impact on quality of life and dyspnea in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Dyspnea is one of the most important and debilitating symptoms in patients with COPD and is often the starting point to the vicious cycle of physical inactivity. As a consequence of increased dyspnea, patients adapt themselves by reducing the amount of all activities of daily living performed, with a consequent reduction in quality of life.

Occupational therapists are involved in pulmonary rehabilitation programs aiming to improve the biopsychosocial condition of COPD patients. However, the specific roles and intervention of occupational therapists are not well-defined, and standardized protocols are lacking. The implementation of breathing control exercises in occupational therapy sessions, aiming among other things to regulate patient's breathing during their activities of daily living, could be a starting point for a more effective management of patients with COPD. This could ultimately participate in the improvement of quality of life in patients with COPD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnostic of COPD
• Severity of COPD: global initiative for chronic obstructive lung disease (GOLD) classification III or IV
• Undergoing a pulmonary rehabilitation program in J. Bracops Hospital

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cardiac or orthopedic complications limiting participation in occupational therapy sessions
• Active smoking
• Inability to understand the French language orally or in writing
• Cognitive impairments limiting understanding of instructions and participation in occupational therapy sessions