Effects of Blowing Balloon Therapy FUNCTION, DYSPNEA AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN OBESE CHILDREN

Overview

The respiratory system is divided into upper and lower tracts and functions through gaseous exchange, ventilation, and perfusion, with normal breathing depending on lung compliance, airway resistance, and muscular strength. Pulmonary function is assessed using spirometry, particularly Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV₁), which are often reduced in obese children due to excess adipose tissue restricting chest wall expansion and diaphragmatic movement, contributing to dyspnea. This randomized controlled trial will be conducted over 10 months in Lahore at selected hospitals and schools, involving 38 obese children (BMI ≥30), aged 6-12 years with mild to moderate dyspnea (RPE 8-14), who will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving blowing balloon therapy or a control group performing splint running (n=19 each). Participants will be screened using the Borg RPE Scale, and data will be analyzed using SPSS version 20.

The respiratory system is anatomically divided into the upper and lower respiratory tracts and performs essential functions including gaseous exchange, ventilation, and perfusion. Effective breathing depends on optimal lung compliance, minimal airway resistance, and adequate respiratory muscle strength. Pulmonary function is commonly evaluated using spirometry, which measures key parameters such as Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV₁). In obese children, these values are often reduced due to the accumulation of excessive adipose tissue around the thoracic cage and abdomen, leading to impaired respiratory mechanics, restricted chest wall expansion, limited diaphragmatic movement, and increased work of breathing, which contributes to dyspnea. This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial over a period of 10 months following approval of the research synopsis. Data will be collected from multiple healthcare and educational institutions in Lahore, including Fatima Memorial Hospital, Gulab Devi Hospital, Evercare Hospital, Lahore Grammar School (LGS), The Trust School, and Beaconhouse School System. A total of 38 obese children with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater, aged between 6 and 12 years, and experiencing mild to moderate dyspnea (Rated 8-14 on the Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion scale) will be recruited. BMI will be calculated using the standard formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared (kg/m²). Eligible participants will be screened using the Borg RPE Scale questionnaire and then randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group (n=19) and a control group (n=19). The experimental group will receive blowing balloon therapy as an intervention aimed at improving respiratory function, while the control group will perform splint running as a comparative physical activity. Pre- and post-intervention spirometry measurements will be taken to assess changes in FVC and FEV₁. The collected data will be statistically analyzed using SPSS version 20 to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.