Effectiveness of Device-Guided Breathing in Chronic Coronary Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Study


Akkus O., HÜZMELİ İ., Seker T., Bekler O., Sen F., Kaypakli O., ...More

Acta Cardiologica Sinica, vol.39, no.5, pp.720-732, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 39 Issue: 5
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.6515/acs.202309_39(5).20230306e
  • Journal Name: Acta Cardiologica Sinica
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, CAB Abstracts, EMBASE, Veterinary Science Database
  • Page Numbers: pp.720-732
  • Keywords: Atherosclerosis, Chronic stable angina, Exercise test, Respiratory muscle training
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Chronic coronary syndrome (CCS) is one of the most life-restricting coronary artery diseases, and symptom relief is the main goal in CCS patients who suffer from angina. Objectives: To assess the potential benefits of device-guided breathing in CCS patients with angina in this randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. Methods: Fifty-one patients with CCS received device-guided breathing for 7 days/8 weeks. Exercise capacity [exercise stress test], cardiac function [transthoracic echocardiography], and angina severity [Canadian Cardiovascular Society Classification] were evaluated initially and after the training. Device-guided breathing was performed at the lowest resistance of the device (POWERbreathe® Classic LR) for the control group (n = 17). The low load training group (LLTG; n = 18) and high load training group (HLTG; n = 16) were trained at 30% and 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure. Baseline characteristics were compared using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis test. Categorical data were compared using the chi-square test. ANCOVA was performed to compare changes between three groups. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Metabolic equivalent values were significantly improved in both HLTG and LLTG groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.003). The Duke treadmill score significantly improved and shifted to low-risk both in the HLTG (p < 0.001) and LLTG (p < 0.001) groups. Angina severity significantly alleviated after the training in both HLTG and LLTG groups (p < 0.001, p = 0.002). Conclusions: An 8-week long program of short-term respiratory muscle training provided positive gains in exercise capacity and angina severity in CCS patients with angina. The effects of long-term training programs on CCS patients should be investigated clinically because of the possibility of helping to decrease the need for invasive treatments.