Effectiveness of controlled breathing techniques on anxiety and depression in hospitalized COPD: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND::
Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent comorbid complications in COPD. Breathing techniques can improve anxiety and depression in subjects hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation. We conducted a randomized clinical study using two groups. The sample comprised 46 male patients aged 67-86 years hospitalized with acute COPD exacerbation. Patients were randomly and equally divided into the control and controlled breathing intervention groups.The sample comprised 46 male patients aged 67-86 years hospitalized with acute COPD exacerbation. Patients were randomly and equally divided into the control and controlled breathing intervention groups.
METHODS::
Baseline and post-intervention recordings of Dyspnea, Anxiety and depression, Quality of life (SGRQ and EURQoL), Respiratory pressures (PImax-PEmax), Hand-grip test and Sleep quality were taken in all subjects. Subjects hospitalized due to acute COPD exacerbation showed high levels of dyspnea and low values in overall quality of life as measured with the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).
RESULTS::
Controlled breathing techniques had a significant effect on dyspnea, anxiety and mobility (p<0.05). All the measured areas were improved in the intervention group. The control group had poorer values in all the areas after the hospitalization period.
CONCLUSIONS::
Controlled breathing exercises benefit patients hospitalized due to COPD exacerbation in anxiety and depression values.
KEYWORDS:
Acute exacerbation, anxiety, controlled breathing, depression, hospitalization

PMID: 23882107