The goal for this clinical trial was to compare the effectiveness of Diaphragmatic Breathing and Pursed-Lip Expiration Exercises in improving lung functions {the Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1- second (FEV1)} and Chest Expansion in Egyptian outpatient adults with bronchial asthma.
The research questions were:
1. Are Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercises effective in improving lung function parameters?
2. Are Pursed-Lip Expiration Exercises effective in improving lung function parameters?
3. Which of the two studied breathing exercise is more effective in improving lung function parameters?
All the participants were classified into 2 groups:
Group1:
Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise training was offered for participants to complete the 8-weeks exercise program (each session lasted about 20 minutes twice daily for 5 days per week).
Group2:
Pursed Lip Breathing Exercise training was offered for participants to complete the 8-weeks exercise program (each session lasted about 20 minutes twice daily for 5 days per week).
The two main parameters which were assessed initially and after completion of the 2-month exercise program were:
1. Lung functions {Peak Expiratory Flow Rate (PEFR) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1-second (FEV1)}
2. The chest expansion