Effectiveness of Six-Minute Walk Test Versus Diaphragmatic Breathing Exercise on Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to find the effectiveness between 6-minute walk test and diaphragmatic breathing exercise on subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: 25 subjects who were clinically diagnosed of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were assessed and only 20 were recruited who are willing to be in the study and they were randomly allocated into 2 groups. In group A (n=10) subjects were trained with 6-minute walk test, with duration 3days a week for 4 weeks, where in group B (N=10) subjects were trained with diaphragmatic breathing exercise. The outcome of this intervention was oxygen saturation and dyspnea. This was recorded before and after the session of 4-week intervention. RESULTS: Statistical analysis of the data reveal that between the group comparison showed there is statistically significant difference in pulse oximetry and modified Borg scale. CONCLUSION: Both the groups have shown significant improvement in reducing dyspnea and improving strength and endurance of respiratory muscles in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. GROUP A showed statistically significant improvement when compared to GROUP B in reducing dyspnea and improving oxygen saturation.