Physiotherapy Education and Breathing Retraining for Patients With Hyperventilation Syndrome: An Observational Study

Purpose: The hyperventilation syndrome (HVS) is a dysfunctional breathing disorder with significant consequences on quality of life. HVS treatment involves an educational approach and breathing exercises. Although better understanding of HVS is needed, it is also relevant to provide evidence of HVS physiotherapy treatment efficiency. This study aimed to assess the effects of respiratory physiotherapy in HVS patients. Method: Patients referred by a physician to a physiotherapist for HVS-related symptoms were included in this prospective observational study. They received six respiratory physiotherapy sessions (1/wk) composed of therapeutic education and breathing exercises. The primary objective was to assess the pre-post change on HVS symptoms, using the Nijmegen Questionnaire, between baseline and 5 weeks. Secondary objectives assessed anxiety, depression, dyspnoea, quality of life, and respiratory rate at 5 weeks. Results: Of 46 patients, 42 were analyzed. Compared to baseline, after 5 weeks, anxiety, dyspnoea, respiratory rate, and most quality of life subscores significantly improved. The Nijmegen score decreased by 11.6 points ( p < 0.001) and this decrease was maintained after 3 months. Conclusions: HVS symptoms have significantly decreased while anxiety, depression, dyspnoea, and quality of life substantially improved after six respiratory physiotherapy sessions.