Effects of Swedish Massage Prior Circuit Breathing Training on Asthma

Effects of Swedish Massage Prior Circuit Breathing Training on Asthma Control and Respiratory Function in Patients With Asthma

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of Swedish massage prior circuit breathing training on asthma control and respiratory function in patients with asthma.

Thirty patients with asthma aged 20-65 years were randomized into 3 groups: the control group (CON; n=10), the Circuit Breathing Training group (CBT; n=10), and the Swedish Massage prior to Circuit Breathing Training group (SBT; n=10). Participants in the CON group carried out their daily routine without receiving any training program. The CBT group received circuit breathing training sessions lasting thirty minutes each, three times a week for twelve weeks, while the SBT group received a Swedish massage (20 minutes) before circuit breathing exercises (30 minutes) three times a week for twelve weeks. Physiological data, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, cytokine levels, Asthma Control Test scores, Visual Analogue Scale scores, chest expansion, and muscle flexibility variables were analyzed during the pre-test, post-test at 6 weeks, and post-tests at 12 weeks. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to compare the variables between each test and between groups. Statistical significance was defined as p < .05.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being a male or female patient with asthma who is between 20 and 65 years old.
• Being a patient who has been diagnosed by a doctor with asthma for at least 6 months.
• The severity of the disease has been assessed at levels 2 to 4, meaning the volume of air expelled in the first second of breathing quickly and with full force (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second; FEV1) is between 80% and 30% on the date of data collection. This has been certified by a doctor, and the patient is using medication according to the normal treatment plan.
• Must not have other respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis, lung cancer, emphysema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), etc.
• Should not have received exercise training for more than 20 minutes at a time, 3 days/week, or more in the past 6 months before participating in the research.
• Having no communication problems.
• The sample volunteers to participate in the research and agrees to sign the consent form to participate in the research.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Being a patient who has a history of asthma caused by exercise (Exercise-Induced Asthma).
• In case of a force majeure event that makes it impossible to continue participating in the research, such as injury from an accident or illness, etc.
• Participating in less than 80 percent of the training sessions (28 times out of 36 times) for the breathing training group and the group that practiced breathing together with massage.
• Unwillingness to continue participating in the research.