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Published in: Trials 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research

Speech-guided breathing retraining in asthma: a randomised controlled crossover trial in real-life outpatient settings

Authors: Dietrich von Bonin, Sabine D. Klein, Jana Würker, Eva Streit, Oliver Avianus, Christian Grah, Jörg Salomon, Ursula Wolf

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Breathing retraining techniques have received increased attention in the management of asthma, because there is growing evidence of the usefulness of such methods in improving quality of life, reducing symptoms and reducing bronchodilator use. Our study investigated the effect of anthroposophic therapeutic speech (ATS), which uses sounds and syllabic rhythm to improve articulation, breathing and cardiorespiratory interaction, in patients with asthma in a real-life outpatient setting.

Methods

In a randomised controlled crossover trial, patients with asthma in three centres in Switzerland and Germany were randomised to either receive 11 ATS sessions or to wait. Subsequently, patients changed either to wait or to receive ATS. Primary outcomes were changes from the beginning to the end of each phase in the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) and spirometry parameters. Secondary outcomes were changes in inhaled glucocorticoids, the Asthma Control Test (ACT), peak flow and asthma exacerbations.

Results

Altogether, 63 patients were randomised, of which 56 were enrolled and 49 completed the study. Statistically significant differences between the ATS groups and waiting control groups were found for the overall AQLQ score (d = 0.86, p = 0.001) and the domain scores for symptoms, activity limitation and emotional function as well as ACT score (d = 0.53, p = 0.048). No significant differences were observed in spirometry parameters, inhaled glucocorticoids, peak flow and days without asthma exacerbation per week. No serious adverse events occurred during ATS sessions.

Conclusions

ATS significantly improves asthma control and quality of life in patients with asthma. Whether ATS may improve lung function remains to be shown.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02501824. Retrospectively registered on 8 July 2015.
Appendix
Available only for authorised users
Footnotes
1
Details of the exercises are available from the authors.
 
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Metadata
Title
Speech-guided breathing retraining in asthma: a randomised controlled crossover trial in real-life outpatient settings
Authors
Dietrich von Bonin
Sabine D. Klein
Jana Würker
Eva Streit
Oliver Avianus
Christian Grah
Jörg Salomon
Ursula Wolf
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-018-2727-z

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