Investigation of the effectiveness of respiratory exercise training in children diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis

This study was designed to investigate the effects of respiratory exercise training in children diagnosed with mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS). A total of 13 patients with MPS were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups in a controlled manner. While one group (n = 6) received respiratory exercises, the other group (n = 7) received no intervention, including conventional physiotherapy methods. The intervention was completed over 8 weeks, with sessions conducted twice a week. To evaluate the patients' pulmonary functions, a handheld spirometer was used to assess Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁), and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). For the evaluation of aerobic capacity, a 2-minute walk test was used for ambulatory children, while a cycle ergometer was used for non-ambulatory children. These measurements were repeated before and after the intervention to allow for comparison. Intra-group analysis showed that the treatment program applied to the exercise group had a significant effect on FVC and PEF values (p < 0.05). The inter-group analysis of our study indicated a significant intervention-related improvement in the SpO₂ parameter (p < 0.05). In conclusion, our study demonstrated that respiratory exercises implemented in children with MPS may have protective and enhancing effects on certain pulmonary parameters. It is thought that including respiratory exercises in the rehabilitation process of children diagnosed with MPS may provide beneficial outcomes.