Effects of expiratory muscle training in patients with bronchiectasis

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of expiratory muscle training (EMT) on cough strength, respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis. A total of 14 (6 women; 8 men) patients completed the study in the education group and 15 (7 women; 8 men) patients in the sham EMT group. Patients' peak cough flow rate (PCF), respiratory muscle strength [maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP)], respiratory functions, exercise capacity, Six minute walk test (6MWT), and quality of life [Saint George Respiratory Quality of Life questionnaire (SGRQ) and Leicester cough questionnaire (LCQ)] was determined. The training group and the sham EMT group were treated for three days in an 8-week week. In addition to the pulmonary rehabilitation, resistant EMT was given in the training group, the while EMT was given without loadin the sham EMT group. When the results of the two groups were compared before the treatment, there was no significant difference between the PCF, PCF%, MIP, MEP, 6MWT, and SGRQ and LCQ questionnaires (p>0.05). When the two groups were compared after the treatment, a significant difference was observed between the PCF, PCF%, MIP, MEP, 6MWT, and SGRQ and LCQ questionnaires in favor of the training group (p<0.05). When the pre-and post-treatment results were compared, there was a significant difference in the education group in the PCF, PCF%, MIP, MEP, 6MWT, SGRQ, and LCQ questionnaires (p<0.05), while a significant difference was found in the LCQ total point and psychosocial sub-sections in the Sham EMT group (p<0.05). As a result, the expiratory respiratory muscle training program increases cough strength, respiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life in bronchiectasis patients. These results will guide the pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with bronchiectasis.