Role of breathing training programs on quality of life in chronic kidney disease patients

BACKGROUND: Due to its chronic and progressive nature, chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects patients in many spheres including their perception of quality of life (QOL). Breathing training techniques have shown positive effects on health and QOL for different conditions. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a scoping review to examine the characteristics related to the application of breathing training on patients with CKD, and to identify the relevant outcomes and target group for the application of breathing training. METHODS: This scoping review was performed in accordance with PRISMA-SRc guidelines. We systematically searched three electronic databases for articles published before March 2022. The studies included patients with chronic kidney disease that received breathing training programs. The breathing training programs were compared to usual care or no treatment. RESULTS: A total of four studies were included in this scoping review. The four studies had heterogeneous disease stages and breathing training programs. All the studies included reported positive effects of breathing training programs on QOL of CKD patients. CONCLUSION: The breathing training programs were able to improve the quality of life of patients with CKD undergoing hemodialysis treatment.