THE COMBINED EFFECT OF BUTEYKO BREATHING AND COGNITIVE BEHAVIOR THERAPY ON CHEST EXPANSION IN ASTHMATIC COLLEGIATE POPULATION

Background of the study: Asthma, a chronic inflammatory lung disease affecting over 300 million individuals globally, presents significant challenges in management and treatment. Nonpharmacological interventions, including breathing exercises and behavioral therapies, have shown promise in alleviating symptoms and enhancing the quality of life for asthmatic patients. Methodology: This study investigates the synergistic effects of Buteyko breathing exercises and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) on chest expansion and overall quality of life in asthmatic collegiate individuals. Employing a pre-post experimental design with a cohort of five participants aged 17-23 years, the study assesses the impact of a 12-week intervention combining Buteyko breathing techniques and CBT. Result: Chest expansion measurements and quality of life assessments, utilizing inch tape and the Pediatric Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (PAQLQ), respectively, reveal significant improvements in both parameters. Conclusion: These findings support the efficacy of integrating these nonpharmacological interventions as complementary strategies in asthma management, offering potential benefits in respiratory function and psychological well-being.