The effect of use of breathing exercise device and reading aloud on vital signs, fatigue and pulmonary function parameters in patients with COPD who followed up by wearable technology

Aim: This study aims to determine how the use of breathing exercise device use and reading aloud affect vital signs, fatigue level, severity of dyspnea and respiratory function parameters in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) followed by wearable technology. Material and Method: The study was conducted as a randomized controlled trial model between November 2020 and November 2021. The sample included the 96 individuals with Stage I, II and III COPD. They made breathing exercises with devices that provide positive expiratory pressure and carried out reading aloud activities through the books they chose. The data were collected using Personal Information Form, smart watch, COPD and Asthma Fatigue Scale, Visual Analog Scale and Pulmonary Function Tests. Results: The study was completed with 103 individuals. It was determined that the fatigue level and dyspnea severity mean scores decreased and mean scores of the oxygen saturation and pulmonary function parameters increased in the breathing exercise device group after the intervention; however their blood pressure and pulse mean scores remained the same (p<.05). There was no significant change in all parameters in the control group (p>.05). Conclusion: It was observed that while the use of breathing exercise device had a positive effect on fatigue and pulmonary function parameters of the individuals with COPD, reading aloud affected positively their fatigue and vital signs. Keywords: Wearable Electronic Device, COPD, Reading Aloud, Respiratory Exercises, Pulmonary Function Parameters, Vital Signs