Video game‐based exercise in children and adolescents with non‐cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A randomized comparative study of aerobic and breathing exercises

Abstract

Background: Video game-based systems have been proposed to improve effectiveness and compliance with exercise training in children and adolescents with noncystic fibrosis bronchiectasis (NCFB). This study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic and breathing video game-based exercises (VGE) on pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and balance in children and adolescents with NCFB. Method: Thirty-nine children and adolescents aged between 8 and 18 years with NCFB were randomly allocated into three groups as "home-based chest physiotherapy group" (CP), "aerobic VGE given in addition to home-based chest physiotherapy group" (CP + aerobic VGE), and "breathing VGE given in addition to home-based chest physiotherapy group" (CP + breathing VGE). All three groups performed chest physiotherapy program twice a day for 7 days per week for 8 weeks. Pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and balance were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of training.Results: The improvement in maximum expiratory pressure and balance scores were significantly higher in both CP + aerobic and CP + breathing VGE groups.The significant improvement in maximum inspiratory pressure was greater in the CP + breathing VGE group. The changes in peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity were significantly higher in the CP + aerobic VGE group. Conclusions:The present study showed that aerobic VGE provides additional benefits in improving peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity, while breathing VGE provides further increase in improving respiratory muscle strength. In addition, both aerobic and breathing VGE were effective in improving balance, but they were not superior to each other.

Pediatric Pulmonology 2022 year in review: Rare and diffuse lung disease

“…Airway clearance in non‐CF bronchiectasis is an important aspect of disease management 32 . Ucgun et al 33 hypothesized that a video game‐based exercise (VGE) program would be a fun and effective way for children with non‐CF bronchiectasis to perform airway clearance. They conducted an eight‐week prospective cohort study in which they divided 39 children into three groups: chest physiotherapy (CP) alone, CP plus aerobic VGE program, or CP plus a breathing VGE program.…”

“…Airway clearance in non-CF bronchiectasis is an important aspect of disease management. 32 Ucgun et al 33 A rare disorder of motile cilia, PCD presents with chronic rhinosinusitis, bronchitis, and sometimes laterality defects. 34 Diagnostic testing remains imperfect, as both genetic testing and evaluation of ciliary ultrastructure under electron microscopy each miss around 30% of cases.…”

Comparing the Effects of Virtual Reality Breathing Exercise and Incentive Spirometry Exercise on Improving Pulmonary Function in Children with Spastic Diplegic Cerebral Palsy

“…In a study by Joo et al, VR breathing training (VRBT) was used for stroke patients, which reduced breathlessness and improved exercise performance and quality of life of the patients [ 7 ]. Another study states that VRBT improves the strength of respiratory muscle for patients with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis [ 8 ]. Patients with neurological impairment to motor involvement show better outcomes with treatments such as biofeedback [ 7 ].…”

“…At present, the treatment techniques take into account the patient’s interests and daily living activities, which is more helpful with VR treatment [ 9 - 11 ]. VRBT improves the strength of muscles of respiration, which is the alternative for respiratory muscle training in bronchiectasis patients [ 8 ].…”

Effects of a therapeutic exercise program in children with non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis: A pilot randomized controlled trial

“…However, to date, the health benefits resulting from therapeutic exercise have not been systematically investigated in children with bronchiectasis. A recent study involving 39 children and adolescents with non-CF bronchiectasis reported active video gaming to improve aerobic fitness and muscular strength; however, because exercise was combined with an extensive home-based physiotherapy program comprising ventilatory muscle training and postural drainage with percussion, the independent effects of exercise training on the fitness and respiratory outcomes could not be delineated ( 8 ). We have previously shown that children with bronchiectasis are insufficiently active for health benefit ( 9 ) and exhibit significant developmental delays in fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency ( 10 ).…”