Effect of game-based application on oxygenation level, functional capacity and quality of life in primary ciliary dyskinesia

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of game-based application on muscle oxygenation (SmO2), functional capacity, and quality of life in primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD). Thirty-two patients with PCD were randomly divided into two groups game and control groups. Active gaming program and airway clearance techniques (ACT) were applied to the game group for 8 weeks. ACT was applied to the control group for only 8-weeks. Pulmonary function was assessed using a portable spirometer device, respiratory muscle strength using a mouth pressure measurement device, peripheral muscle strength using a hand-held dynamometer, functional capacity using a six-minute walking test (6MWT), maximal exercise capacity using an incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), activities of daily living (ADL) using Glittre ADL test, SmO2 with BSX-insight device during ISWT and Glittre ADL test, energy expenditure during Glittre ADL test and playing the seated games using the SenseWear armband, physical activity level using Bouchard three-day physical activity record, balance using the Y and Flamingo test, and quality of life (QOL) using PCD-QOL questionnaire. Pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, 6MWT and ISWT distance, SmO2, ADL and physical activity level, balance, and QOL significantly increased in the game group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the parameters assessed in the control group (p>0.05). The change in the parameters evaluated before and after eight weeks was statistically significant in the game group. (p<0.05). In conclusion, active gaming program positively affect pulmonary and extrapulmonary features in PCD. Active gaming program may be added to the pulmonary rehabilitation program as an exercise training modality in patients with PCD. Keywords: Primary ciliary dyskinesia, respiratory muscle strength, peripheral muscle strength, active video gaming, exercise capacity