The effect of 12-weeks of head down and strong abdominal breathing on cognitive function in patients with stable COPD under dual task: a singer randomized controlled trial study protocol

Abstract

Abstract Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an irreversible disease characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms and decreased airflow. To improve the overall clinical picture of COPD, it is necessary to better understand all relevant comorbidities. Despite the fact that impairments in cognitive function are linked to higher mortality and disability rates in COPD, little is known about how these impairments can be improved. The purpose of this study is to investigate how head down and strong abdominal breathing and three other interventions affect oxygen utilization in COPD patients' dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (PFC) and general and specific cognitive domains, as well as to fill gaps in clinical evidence related to these interventions. Methods: We recruit 108 COPD patients in stable GOLD I-II stages at the Naval Anqing Hospital, using the blind method of evaluators and data analysts. There are four groups: head down and strong abdominal breathing training (Angle of inclination to 60°) , Ba Duan Jin, strong abdominal breathing training, and conventional treatment. Respiratory frequency is 35 breaths/min for 40 minutes three times a week for 12 weeks. The primary outcome is an assessment of general and four specific cognitive domains of function, as well as functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) recorded in the dorsolateral PFC of patients with normal or fast walking while performing motor or cognitive dual tasks containing oxygenated haemoglobin (oxy-Hb), deoxygenated haemoglobin (deoxy-Hb), and total oxygenated haemoglobin (total-Hb). Secondary outcomes include dyspnea symptoms, executive functions, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and balance. The outcomes will be measured one week before, six weeks after, and 12 weeks after. Discussion: The study may determine how effective head down and strong abdominal breathing exercises are for COPD patients with mild to moderate stable COPD. Also, it may help determine if it's more effective than other pulmonary rehabilitation treatments.