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NCT Number: NCT07440953

Effects of Papworth Breathing With or Without Bridge Pose Yoga in Asthma Patients

Asthma is a chronic condition causing airway inflammationandconstriction, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, wheezing, andchest tightness. While medication is the primary treatment,complementary techniques like Papworth breathing and Bridge Pose yoga are gaining recognition for improving respiratory health and quality of life.

Papworth breathing fo cuses on slow, controlled diaphragmatic breathing to reduce anxiety and improve breathing patterns. Bridge Pose yoga opens the chest and strengthens the back, promoting deeper breathing. This study examines the effects of these techniques on asthma symptoms,lung function, chest expansion, and quality of life over 8 weeks.

The study will run for 8 weeks. It will divide participants into two groups:one practicing only Pap-worth breathing, and the other combining it with Bridge Pose Yoga. Each group will have sessions 5 times a week treatment by the Papworth method. Measurements will be taken before and after the intervention to evaluate changes in shortness of breath(BORG Scale), lung function (such as FEV1 and FVCandFEV1/FVC via digital spirometer), chest expansion and quality of life (AQLQ).

By comparing these outcomes, this study aims to determine if the combined approach of Pap-worth breathing and Bridge Pose Yoga leadstogreaterbenefits in managing dyspnea, enhancing lung function, andimprovingquality of life. These insights may contribute to enhance chest expansion,and thus relive bronchospasm in asthma patients.

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Key information

Conditions

Asthma Bronchial Diseases Dyspnea Hypersensitivity Hypersensitivity, Immediate Immune System Diseases Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Obstructive Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Respiration Disorders Respiratory Hypersensitivity Respiratory Tract Diseases Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms, Respiratory

Age range

15 year–20 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

DHQ Muzaffargarh

Muzaffargarh, Punjab Province, 24200, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Age 15-20 years with a confirmed diagnosis of asthma.
  • Both male and female
  • Mild to moderate patients with FEV1 60-80% according to GINA
  • Willing to participate and provide consent form, with parental consent if under 18 years
  • Individuals with stable asthma conditions

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients with severe asthma or co-existing respiratory diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
  • Any recent upper respiratory tract infections that could interfere with the intervention.
  • Individuals with physical disabilities, orthopedic, or musculoskeletal issues that would hinder safe participation in yoga poses.
  • Participants with known cardiovascular conditions (e.g., hypertension, arrhythmias, or heart failure) that may be exacerbated by physical or breathing exercises.

Treatment and study plan

Papeworth Breathing

Other

Method: The Papworth technique was a structured breathing method designed to help individuals manage respiratory issues and anxiety through controlled, mindful breathing. Practitioners started by sitting comfortably, placing a hand on their abdomen to feel diaphragmatic movement, ensuring that future breaths originated from the abdomen rather than the chest. They inhaled deeply and slowly through the nose, allowing the abdomen to expand, then exhaled gently, maintaining a steady rhythm of about 8-12 breaths per minute. Nasal breathing was emphasized to filter and regulate airflow, while relaxation techniques helped release body tension. As they continued, practitioners adjusted their breathing to match different levels of activity or stress, using slow, controlled breaths to manage hyperventilation. With consistent practice, this method promoted calmness, improved respiratory efficiency, and reduced symptoms of asthma and anxiety, enhancing future breathing control and resilience.

Pap-worth Breathing + Bridge Pose Yoga

Other

Method: In the Bridge Pose, or Setu Bandhasana, practitioners began by lying on their back with knees bent and feet hip-width apart on the floor, keeping arms alongside the body with palms down. They positioned their feet close enough for their fingertips to touch their heels. As they inhaled, they pressed their feet into the ground, engaging the glutes to lift the hips toward the ceiling, maintaining alignment with knees over heels. Shoulders were tucked slightly under the back to support the lift, and hands could clasp beneath the pelvis if comfortable. Practitioners breathed deeply and held the position for 15-30 breaths, focusing on elevating the chest and hips with each inhale while keeping the face and neck relaxed. On an exhale, they released by gently lowering the hips back to the floor, allowing the spine to rest before moving on. This practice helped enhance flexibility, strength, and spinal alignment over time.

Primary outcomes

  1. Modified Borg Dyspnea Scale

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    It is a subjective tool to assess degree of dyspnea in patients. The comprise of 10 grades starting from zero to 10. Zero refers to 'No difficulty in breathing at all 'and 10 refers to 'maximal difficulty ' Readings will be taken at Pre-post intervention.

  2. FEV1

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    digital spirometer device will be used to take readings of lung volumes in (ml). These measurements are part of a pulmonary function test, which helps diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Readings will be taken at Pre-post intervention.

  3. FVC

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    digital spirometer device will be used to take readings of lung capacities in (ml). These measurements are part of a pulmonary function test, which helps diagnose and monitor respiratory conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cystic fibrosis. Readings will be taken at Pre-post intervention.

  4. FEV1/FVC

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    digital spirometer device will be used to take readings of FEV1/FVC. Readings will be taken at Pre-post intervention.

  5. Chest Expansion

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    Tape measure will be used to take readings of chest expasion before and after intervention, at sternal, axila and xiphoid process. then average will be taken

  6. Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ)

    Time frame: 8 weeks

    The Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ) is a validated tool designed to measure the impact of asthma on a person's daily life. Developed by Dr. Elizabeth Juniper, it assesses four key areas: symptoms, activity limitations, emotional function, and environmental stimuli sensitivity. Comprising 32 items, the AQLQ is used in both clinical practice and research to evaluate treatment efficacy and monitor patients' well-being over time. Responses are scored on a 7-point scale, with lower scores indicating greater impairment, making it an essential instrument for understanding patient-centered outcomes in asthma management

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Papworth Breathing With or Without Bridge Pose Yoga on Dyspnea, Pulmonary Functions, Chest Expansion and Quality of Life in Asthma Patients

Important dates

Study start
2024
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 27, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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