Physiotherapy research international : the journal for researchers and clinicians in physical therapy
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Positive expiratory pressure breathing speeds recovery of postexercise dyspnea in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Faster recovery of postexertional dyspnea might enable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients to undertake more physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine whether breathing with a positive expiratory load to reduce dynamic hyperinflation (DH) would hasten recovery. ⋯ Positive expiratory pressure breathing is an effective means of reducing postexercise dyspnea and DH in COPD. The benefits were not limited to patients with high DH suggesting PEP may be used to speed recovery and increase the volume of exercise during pulmonary rehabilitation sessions and physical activity at home or work.