Effectiveness of Abdominal Breathing Exercise to Control Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, a Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives:
To determine the effect of actively training the crura of diaphragm which is a part of lower esophageal sphincter using abdominal breathing exercises to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Methodology:
With a randomized controlled study design, a total of 22 (11 in each group) clinically diagnosed patients of GERD presenting to the gastroenterology outpatient department at Holy Family Hospital in Pakistan were assessed using GERD related "quality of life index (QoLI)" questionnaire and their on-demand proton pump inhibitors (PPI) usage. Single blinding technique will be used. Patients ages 18-60 years with GERD were included. However, those with hiatal hernia > 2 cm, previous surgeries on LES and those with who could not undergo the breathing exercise training were excluded. The data was collected via interviews. The intervention group was trained to do a 5-min breathing exercise and advised to perform it 5 times a day for 4 continuous weeks. On demand PPI usage was self-recorded. The control group was also trained to perform a breathing exercise that had no effect on LES and was asked to self-record on demand PPI usage. After 4 weeks the data was collected from both groups and compared quality-of-life index and PPI usage. Data was retrieved and analyzed using SPSS version 22. Descriptive analysis was used for describing the study variables. Paired t-test was used for in group comparison before and after intervention and independent t test was used for between group comparison, p value of <0.05 was taken as significant. Mean PPI usage of the two groups was also compared.

Results:
An improved QoLI and reduced PPI usage was seen in the intervention group as compared to control group. Paired t test confirmed a statistically significant difference, but the independent t test did not. Linear regression test showed that F (1,20) = 32.822, p = 0.000. Adjusted R value is 0.603. y = 13.182x +2.812. The beta value is 0.789 and p value is 0.000.

Conclusion:
The study concludes that abdominal breathing exercises can improve the GERD symptoms as assessed by QoLI score and on demand PPI usage. It advocates for an alternative treatment option for GERD patients that is more efficacious as compared to no breathing exercises and has less potential side effect as compared to continuous PPI use, enabling us to lead our way towards revolution in medicine providing more effective and less invasive treatment options to facilitate our patients.

Keywords: Abdominal breathing exercises; GERD; GERD related quality of life index.

PMID: 39867162 PMCID: PMC11759073 DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1438