Title |
Impact of laughter on air trapping in severe chronic obstructive lung disease
|
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Published in |
International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, March 2008
|
DOI | 10.2147/copd.s2204 |
Pubmed ID | |
Authors |
Martin H Brutsche, Paul Grossman, Rebekka E Müller, Jan Wiegand, Pello, Florent Baty, Willibald Ruch |
Abstract |
Static and dynamic hyperinflation is an important factor of exertional dyspnea in patients with severe COPD. This proof-of-concept intervention trial sought to study whether laughter can reduce hyperinflation through repetitive expiratory efforts in patients with severe COPD. For small groups of patients with severe COPD (n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 10) Pello the clown performed a humor intervention triggering regular laughter. Plethysmography was done before and up to 24 hours after intervention. Laughing and smiling were quantified with video-analysis. Real-time breathing pattern was assessed with the LifeShirt, and the psychological impact of the intervention was monitored with self-administered questionnaires. The intervention led to a reduction of TLC in COPD (p = 0.04), but not in controls (p = 0.9). TLC reduction was due to a decline of the residual volume. Four (22 [CI 95% 7 to 46] %) patients were > or = 10% responders. The frequency of smiling and TLC at baseline were independent predictors of TLC response. The humor intervention improved cheerfulness, but not seriousness nor bad mood. In conclusion, smiling induced by a humor intervention was able to reduce hyperinflation in patients with severe COPD. A smiling-derived breathing technique might complement pursed-lips breathing in patients with symptomatic obstruction. |
X Demographics
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
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United Kingdom | 3 | 50% |
Unknown | 3 | 50% |
Demographic breakdown
Type | Count | As % |
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Members of the public | 3 | 50% |
Practitioners (doctors, other healthcare professionals) | 2 | 33% |
Scientists | 1 | 17% |
Mendeley readers
Geographical breakdown
Country | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Germany | 1 | 1% |
Switzerland | 1 | 1% |
Vietnam | 1 | 1% |
Sweden | 1 | 1% |
Spain | 1 | 1% |
Unknown | 66 | 93% |
Demographic breakdown
Readers by professional status | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Researcher | 9 | 13% |
Student > Bachelor | 9 | 13% |
Student > Master | 8 | 11% |
Other | 8 | 11% |
Student > Postgraduate | 7 | 10% |
Other | 15 | 21% |
Unknown | 15 | 21% |
Readers by discipline | Count | As % |
---|---|---|
Medicine and Dentistry | 21 | 30% |
Psychology | 15 | 21% |
Nursing and Health Professions | 5 | 7% |
Agricultural and Biological Sciences | 4 | 6% |
Social Sciences | 3 | 4% |
Other | 5 | 7% |
Unknown | 18 | 25% |