Evaluation of six-minute walk distance with and without pursed lip breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease limits exercise capacity because airways collapse early during expiration and air becomes trapped in the lungs. Pursed lip breathing is a simple technique that may reduce this problem during exertion.

Objective

To compare the six-minute walk distance of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with and without pursed lip breathing.

Methods

Fifty-eight diagnosed patients aged 45 to 75 years with mild breathlessness completed the six-minute walk test on two consecutive days, first with normal breathing and then with pursed lip breathing. Distances in meters were compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

Results