The effects of biofeedback-assisted breathing retraining on lung functions in patients with cystic fibrosis

This research project examined the effects of respiratory muscle feedback, and oximetry as operant guides in breathing retraining (BRT) with cystic fibrosis patients. A combination of pneumographic or strain-gauge feedback from the abdominal muscles, EMG feedback from accessory respiratory muscles, and non-invasive blood oximetry were used to assist subjects in establishing effective deep breathing patterns. Subjects were measured pre- and post- on standard respiratory spirometry to determine the effects of training on lung function. The results of the experimental group were compared with a control group receiving peripheral hand temperature biofeedback assisted relaxation training. The results of this study show that cystic fibrosis patients can substantially alter inefficient patterns of respiratory muscle activity. It was also shown that biofeedback assisted breathing retraining can lead to clinically significant changes in measures of lung function.