Effectiveness of a Breathing Training Program on Quality of Life in Patients with Predialysis Chronic Kidney Disease: A Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients have suboptimal quality of life (QOL). Various studies/researches have revealed that breathing exercises have a positive and favorable impact on different systems of the body. AIMS: This study aims to assess the effect of a breathing training program on QOL in patients with predialysis CKD. SETTINGS: The study was a single-center study conducted at PGIMER, Chandigarh. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. METHODS: Sixty individuals were enrolled and randomized using lottery method. QOL was assessed or evaluated by Kidney Disease and QOL questionnaire (KDQOL™-36). Breathing exercises were taught to the intervention group. Patients included in control group continued with the routine care. Assessment of QOL was done after 4 weeks in both the groups. RESULTS: Change in KDQOL™-36 scores showed significant difference between control and the intervention group. The mean scores of control group in the subscale effects of kidney disease, SF-12 Physical functioning (Physical Health Composite) and SF-12 Mental functioning (Mental Health Composite) were 84.79, 39.16 and 37.40, respectively, whereas in intervention group, the respective mean scores were 91.88, 43.92, and 44.16. The difference was statistically significant (P = 0.04, P = 0.01, and P = 0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Breathing training program improves QOL in patients with predialysis CKD.