Abstract
Background: Asthma represents a substantial public health concern, and exploring non-pharmacological avenues, such as respiratory exercises, is crucial for improving lung function and enhancing asthma control in children.
Aims of the study: This study investigates the effects of balloon-blowing breathing exercise on respiratory muscle strength and asthma control in school-age children diagnosed with asthma.
Method: Thirty children, aged 7 to 12 years, diagnosed with asthma, were allocated into two groups: Sustained Maximal Inspiration Breathing Group (SMG; n = 15) and Balloon-Blowing Breathing Group (BBG; n = 15). Both groups participated in breathing exercises five times a week for eight weeks. Physiological data, respiratory muscle strength, and asthma symptoms were evaluated in Pre- and Post-tests, employing paired t-tests for within-group comparisons and independent t-tests for between-group comparisons, with significance set at p < .05.
Results: After eight weeks, no significant differences were observed in physiological data (body weight, resting heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressure) between pre-test and post-test or between the two groups. Both BBG and SMG groups exhibited increased Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) compared to pre-test (p < .05). Moreover, the BBG group displayed significantly higher MEP than the SMG group (p < .05). Asthma control scores significantly improved in both groups compared to pre-test (p < .05), with no significant differences between the groups.
Conclusion: These findings suggest that eight weeks of balloon-blowing breathing exercise positively impact respiratory muscle strength and asthma control in school-age children with asthma. Balloon blowing exercise emerge as a valuable therapeutic intervention for enhancing respiratory health in this population.