The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of expiratory muscle training (EMT) as an adjunct to conventional chest physiotherapy in children with asthma. Respiratory muscle training has been shown to improve muscle strength, functional capacity, and symptom control in adults with asthma, but evidence in pediatric populations is limited, particularly regarding expiratory training. This study aims to determine whether adding EMT to standard physiotherapy enhances pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, asthma control, and functional capacity compared to chest physiotherapy alone. The main questions are: (1) Does EMT improve expiratory muscle strength and pulmonary function in children with asthma? (2) Does EMT contribute to better asthma control and overall physical performance? Participants will be randomly assigned to either conventional chest physiotherapy or chest physiotherapy plus EMT. Interventions will be delivered as a home-based, low-cost, feasible program, with training protocols standardized in terms of intensity, frequency, and duration.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
30
he program will include breathing exercises, teaching of relaxation positions, cough training, breathing control strategies, and physical activity recommendations.
Participants perform expiratory muscle training (EMT) using a threshold device at 30% of their maximum expiratory pressure (MEP). The program consists of twice daily sessions, each lasting 20 minutes, at least 5 days per week, for 8 weeks. Resistance will be increased by 10% each week, adjusted according to tolerance and the presence of any complaints for experimental group.
Istanbul Atlas University
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Respiratory Function Test
Change from baseline forced vital capacity (FVC) at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Respiratory Function Test
Change from baseline forced forced expiratory volume in 1 (FEV1) second at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Respiratory Function Test
Change from baseline peak expiratory flow (PEF) at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Respiratory Function Test
Change from baseline FEV1/FVC at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Respiratory Muscle Strength
Change from baseline maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Respiratory Muscle Strength
Change from baseline maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Peripheral Muscle Strength
Change from baseline m. quadriceps strength at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Functional Capacity
Change from baseline distance covered in six minute walk test at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Peak Cough Flow
Change from baseline peak cough flow at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Asthma Control
Change from baseline Asthma Control Test at 8 weeks.
Time frame: 8 weeks
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