Effects of Buteyko Breathing Versus Incentive Spirometry on Oxygen Saturation, Dyspnoea, Exercise Tolerance, and Sputum Clearance in Patients With Smog Induced Pneumonia

Sponsor
Lahore University of Biological and Applied Sciences
Study ID
NCT07759583
Status
Recruiting
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Conditions

  • Pneumonia
  • Smog-Induced Pneumonia

Eligibility Criteria

Sex
ALL
Age
25 Years - 40 Years
Healthy Volunteers
Not accepted

Interventions

  • Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) — OTHER
    Buteyko Breathing Technique involves controlled nasal breathing with breath-holding and relaxed exhalation. Participants perform slow nasal inhalation followed by relaxed exhalation at a rate of approximately 6 deep breaths per 30 seconds. Strategic breath-holds after exhalation are incorporated to reduce hyperventilation and increase physiological CO₂ levels. Sessions are supervised twice daily for 20-30 minutes over 7 days or until hospital discharge. Intensity is maintained within patient comfort limits. SpO₂ and Borg dyspnoea scores are monitored during sessions. Sputum volume is recorded post-session. Daily sputum diary is maintained. The goal is to improve breath control, reduce dyspnoea, and facilitate sputum clearance.
  • Incentive Spirometry (IS) — DEVICE
    This intervention uses an Incentive Spirometry device to promote deep lung inflation. Participants perform slow maximal inhalation to achieve target volume, followed by a 2-3 second breath hold, then slow exhalation. Sessions are supervised twice daily for 20-30 minutes, plus 10 deep breaths per hour while awake, over 7 days or until hospital discharge. Intensity is maintained at gentle maximal inhalation without discomfort. SpO₂ and Borg dyspnoea scores are monitored during sessions. Sputum volume is recorded post-session. Daily sputum diary is maintained. The goal is to improve lung expansion, oxygenation, and inspiratory capacity.

Study Details

The current study will be a single-blind, parallel-group randomized controlled trial involving 62 patients diagnosed with smog-induced pneumonia. The study will compare the effects of Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) with Incentive Spirometry (IS) on respiratory outcomes. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups using a concealed allocation method. The experimental group will receive Buteyko Breathing Technique along with standard medical care, while the control group will receive Incentive Spirometry along with standard medical care. Both interventions will be performed twice daily for approximately 20-30 minutes per session for seven days or until hospital discharge. Primary outcomes will include oxygen saturation (SpO₂), dyspnoea severity, exercise tolerance, sputum clearance, and respiratory symptom burden. Assessments will be conducted at baseline (Day 0), mid-intervention (Day 3), post-intervention (Week 2), and follow-up (Week 4). The study will be conducted at the pulmonary wards of Combined Military Hospital (CMH) and The Indus Hospital, Lahore. The hypothesis is that Buteyko Breathing Technique may produce greater improvements in oxygen saturation, dyspnoea reduction, exercise tolerance, and sputum clearance compared with Incentive Spirometry in patients with smog-induced pneumonia.

Key Dates

First listed
Aug 12, 2026
Start date
May 1, 2026
Status verified
Aug 2026
Primary completion
Aug 15, 2026
Completion
Oct 15, 2026

Study Design

Enrollment
62 participants (estimated)
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT

Arms

  • Experimental: Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT)
    Participants in this group will receive Buteyko Breathing Technique (BBT) along with standard medical care. The intervention aims to improve breathing control and respiratory efficiency in patients with pneumonia. The program includes nasal inhalation to promote nasal breathing instead of mouth breathing. Participants will practice reduced breathing volume to avoid hyperventilation and improve gas exchange. Controlled breathing rate will be used to maintain slow and regular breathing patterns. The intervention also includes breath-holding after exhalation to enhance breathing control. Patients will perform relaxed diaphragmatic breathing to reduce accessory muscle use. All exercises will be supervised by a trained physiotherapist to ensure safety and correct technique. Sessions will be conducted twice daily for 20-30 minutes. The intervention will continue for seven days or until hospital discharge.
  • Active Comparator: Incentive Spirometry (IS)
    Participants in this group will perform breathing exercises using an incentive spirometer along with standard medical care. The intervention aims to improve lung expansion and respiratory function in patients with pneumonia. Participants will perform slow maximal inhalation using the spirometer to encourage deep breathing and increase lung capacity. Each inhalation will be followed by breath holding for approximately 2-3 seconds to promote better air distribution in the lungs. After this, participants will perform controlled and slow exhalation. The exercise will be repeated several times to support lung expansion and airway clearance. The sessions will be conducted twice daily for 20-30 minutes, and participants will also perform 10 deep breaths every hour while awake. The intervention will continue for seven days or until hospital discharge.

Primary Outcome Measure

Peripheral Oxygen Saturation (SpO₂) [ Time Frame: Baseline (Day 0), Day 3, Week 2, and Week 4 follow-up. ]

Central Contacts

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