Combined Effects of Resonant Breathing and Qigong Exercises in Bronchiectasis

Combined Effects of Resonant Breathing and Qigong Exercises on Pulmonary Functions, Dyspnea and Quality of Life in Patients With Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic lung disease characterized by permanent dilation of the bronchi, leading to persistent cough, mucus overproduction, dyspnea and frequent respiratory infections. It is persistent respiratory symptoms and irreversible airway dilation due to chronic inflammation and impaired mucociliary clearance, often resulting from repeated infections or underlying conditions. This conditions leads to chronic cough, sputum production and breathlessness. Pilmonary rehabilitation is recommended as a reliable strategy for respiratory management, leading to improved lung function, reduced dyspnea and enhanced quality of life. Resonant breathing and Qigong exercise are effective in enhancing respiratory function by improving oxygen intake, relaxation and respiratory muscle strength.

A randomized controlled trial will be conducted at DHQ Hospital Sheikhupura. Sample size is 46 calculated by epitool sample size calculator Convenient Sampling Technique will be used age 40 to 65 years consent will be obtained from all patients. Patients will be randomly assigned to group A and group B using simple random sampling. Group A will receive resonant breathing training with standard medical treatment. Group B will received combination of resonant breathing and Qigong exercises. Outcome measures include spirometer, MMRC dysnea scale and a quality of life questionnaire BHQ. Study will be completed within 10 months of duration treatment evaluation will be done after 3 weeks of exercise training program data will be processed using SPSS version 25. normality of data will be assessed through the Shapiro-Wilk test to determine the application of either

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Bronchiectasis Adult
• Intervention / Treatment: Other: Resonant breathing exercise; Other: Resonant breathing and Qigong Exercise.

Detailed Description

Interventions:

Resonant Breathing (Group A):

Resonant breathing is a calm, steady breathing technique that improves lung function and relaxes the body. Patients will sit comfortably with their feet on the ground. They will breathe in through the nose for 5 seconds, expanding their belly.Then breathe out slowly through the mouth for 5 seconds, relaxing completely.This pattern creates a steady rhythm of 5 to 6 breaths per minute.A timer or app may help guide the timing.Each breathing session will be 15 minutes long, done twice daily 5 days per week for 3 weeks.Patients will be randomly assigned to group A and group B using simple random sampling. Group A will receive resonant breathing training with standard medical treatment. The exercise protocol will include 15-minute sessions, twice daily, five days a week for 3 weeks.

Group B : Combination of Resonant and Qigong exercise They will receive a combination of resonant breathing and Qigong exercises Qigong is a gentle, ancient Chinese practice that integrates slow body movements, controlled breathing, and focused awareness. It is designed to balance the body's internal energy (Qi) and support overall wellness. The exercises are easy to perform and adaptable to various fitness levels.

Qigong helps improve respiratory efficiency, reduce anxiety, and boost immunity. It's especially beneficial for individuals managing chronic health conditions. Qigong promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system and enhancing mindfulness. It also improves posture, flexibility, and coordination. As a low-impact exercise, it carries minimal risk of injury, making it ideal for therapeutic use. along Breathing will be receive at six breaths per minute, with equal duration's of inhalation and exhalation (5 seconds each). The exercise protocol will include 15-minute sessions, twice daily, five days a week for 3 weeks. This combined technique is designed to enhance breathing efficiency, promote relaxation, improve pulmonary function, and support autonomic nervous system regulation through the c effects of both resonant breathing and Qigong movements. Exercises will involve smooth, coordinated. Preparation will be the first step of the qigong exercise for 1 to 2 minutes. Instructions will be given to the client that stand comfortably with your feet, relax your shoulders and arms, breath slowly and deeply through your nose and clear your mind and focus on calm breathing. Second step will be touch the sky foe 2 minutes. Instructions will be given to the patients that raise both arms gently above your head while inhaling, stretch lightly toward the sky, exhale and slowly lower your arms helps open lungs and stretch the spine.third step is energy punch for 2 minutes. Make soft fists and bring them to your waist, inhale deeply, exhale as you extend one fist forward like a light punch and alternate both hand s slowly.Forth step is look back for two minutes. Gently turn your head and upper body to the left , then to the right. Keep the rest of your body ready, move slowly with deep breathing.

Fifth step will be the opening the chest for 2 minutes. Inhale and slowly spread your arm outward to the sides. Exhale as you bring the back to the front. Sixth step is let go. Inhale as you lift your arms up. Exhale and wing them down and behind gently, like releasing tension.

Seventh step will be holding the ball for 3-5 minutes. Imagine your holding a big ball in front of your chest. Keep shoulders relaxed and feel warmth in your hands. Eighth steps is closing within one minutes. Rub your palms to warmth them, gently massage your face or chest and bow slightly with thanks your practice. Both groups will continue their respective interventions for 4 weeks

• Study Type: Interventional
• Enrollment (Actual): 46
• Phase: Not Applicable

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Pakistan
  • Punjab Province
    • Sheikhupura, Punjab Province, Pakistan
      • Riphah International University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult; Older Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults aged 40 to 65 years
• Both male and female participants
• Diagnosed with bronchiectasis confirmed by clinical and radiological findings
• Clinically stable for at least 4 weeks (no acute exacerbation)
• Willing and able to participate in breathing and/or Qigong exercise sessions regularly for 3 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who have experienced a recent flare-up of bronchiectasis in the last month.
• Patients with serious heart, muscle, or nerve disorders that restrict movement
• Participants already enrolled in other respiratory therapy programs.
• Those with mental or communication difficulties preventing proper participation.

Study Plan

How is the study designed?

Design Details

• Primary Purpose: Supportive Care
• Allocation: Randomized
• Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
• Masking: None (Open Label)

Number of Arms

2

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm	Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: Resonant breathing exercise; Resonant breathing training involving slow, paced breathing at an optimal breathing rate to enhance respiratory efficiency, reduce dyspnea, and improve pulmonary function according to the study protocol.	Other: Resonant breathing exercise; Arm A: Resonant Breathing Training Participants received resonant breathing training alone, involving slow and paced breathing at an individualized optimal respiratory rate to improve pulmonary function, reduce dyspnea, and enhance breathing control in patients with bronchiectasis according to the study protocol. Arm B: Qigong with Resonant Breathing Participants received a combined intervention of resonant breathing training along with structured Qigong exercises. This group performed the same resonant breathing protocol as Arm A, with the addition of Qigong movements designed to further improve respiratory efficiency, physical relaxation, and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis according to the study protocol.; Other Names: Resonant breathing training; Resonant breathing and Qigong exercise; Resonant breathing training and Qigong exercise
Experimental: Resonant breathing and Qigong exercise; A combined intervention involving resonant breathing training performed at a slow, paced respiratory rhythm along with structured Qigong exercises aimed at improving pulmonary function, reducing dyspnea, enhancing physical relaxation, and improving quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis according to the study protocol.	Other: Resonant breathing and Qigong Exercise.; Arm A: Resonant Breathing Only Participants in this arm received resonant breathing training alone. The intervention involved slow, paced breathing at an optimal rhythm aimed at improving respiratory efficiency, reducing dyspnea, and enhancing pulmonary function according to the study protocol. Arm B: Resonant Breathing + Qigong Participants in this arm received a combination of resonant breathing training and Qigong exercises. Along with the same resonant breathing protocol as Arm A, additional Qigong exercises were performed to further improve respiratory function, dyspnea, physical relaxation, and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis according to the study protocol.; Other Names: Resonant breathing training; Resonant breathing and Qigong exercise

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Change in St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)	_The primary outcome is the change in quality of life measured using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Lower scores indicate better quality of life.	Baseline of 4 weeks

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: Riphah International University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: Tasneem Shahzadi, MS, Riphah International University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): December 20, 2025
• Primary Completion (Actual): January 25, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 20, 2026

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: July 21, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 21, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): July 24, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): July 24, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: July 21, 2026
• Last Verified: July 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Other Study ID Numbers: F24C14G36030

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No