Effect of Video Game-Based Breathing Exercises on Respiratory Dysfunction in ACOS

Summary

Asthma and COPD are significant respiratory diseases that can coexist, referred to as Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS). Patients with ACOS experience more severe clinical outcomes, including rapid decline in lung function, increased symptom burden, and reduced quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation-particularly breathing exercises-is a core non-pharmacological intervention recommended for this patient group. In recent years, video game-based applications have emerged as innovative tools that enhance motivation and participation in exercise programs. However, studies investigating the effects of video game-based breathing exercises in ACOS patients are extremely limited. Additionally, although dysfunctional breathing patterns are common in this group, few studies have addressed targeted interventions. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the effects of video game-based breathing exercises on dysfunctional breathing in ACOS patients.

Conditions

• Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome
• Pulmonary Rehabilitation
• Video Games

Interventions

OTHER

Video game-based breathing exercises

Twenty individuals will be enrolled in the video game-based breathing exercise program. Participants in the study group will undergo the "Breathing Games" exercise program twice a week for 8 weeks, with each session lasting approximately 50 minutes. This video game-based breathing exercise program includes warm-up, cool-down, and five breathing games designed for the target patients.From the second week onward, posture exercises combined with the breathing games will be added.Thus, the exercise program will consist of a warm-up phase lasting approximately 10 minutes, including breathing control, stretching exercises, and rest; 25-30 minutes of five breathing games combined with posture exercises; followed by a cool-down phase of about 10 minutes with breathing control, stretching exercises, and rest.Additionally, participants will be provided with a home exercise program to be performed twice daily for 30 minutes, three days a week, over 8 weeks.

OTHER

Control group

Participants in the control group will receive a 30-45 minute patient education session after the assessment. The content of the education will include: Providing general information about Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS) Teaching dyspnea-relieving positions Instruction in diaphragmatic breathing techniques Teaching secretion clearance methods (Active Cycle of Breathing Techniques - ACBT) Educating on energy conservation strategies Providing information on correct posture Counseling on lifestyle modifications (e.g., smoking cessation, physical activity recommendations) To maintain and improve physical activity levels, patients will be advised to engage in walking activities for 30 minutes, twice a week After covering these topics, participants will be given brochures containing this information. Additionally, follow-up will be conducted by phone every two weeks. All assessments will be repeated at the end of the 8-week period.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Istinye University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• HÜSNA GÜZEL, PT,PhD (c) · Istinye University

• NURGÜL DÜRÜSTKAN ELBASI, asst. prof. · Istinye University

• TUGBA ÖNYILMAZ, asst. prof. · Kocaeli University

• Haşim Boyacı, Prof. Dr · Kocaeli University

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Max Age

80 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2025-08-04

Primary Completion

2025-08-04

Completion

2026-06-10

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations