Breathing exercises

Suggested

2 studies · 1 recommendation

Last updated: February 25, 2026

Suggested2 studies

Breathing exercises during chemotherapy improve lung function and reduce breathlessness in lung cancer

Two RCTs with 186 lung cancer patients support breathing exercises as a beneficial adjunct during treatment. In a trial of 30 non-small cell lung cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, a 4-week respiratory muscle exercise program produced significant spirometry gains: FEV1 improved from 76% to 84% predicted (P=.01), FVC from 87% to 95% predicted (P=.01), and FEV1/FVC ratio from 73% to 76% (P=.04), with zero adverse events. A larger multi-centre RCT of 156 patients with intrathoracic cancer found that even a single session of a structured breathlessness intervention reduced worst breathlessness scores from 6.81 to 5.84 on a 10-point scale at 4 weeks, with no additional benefit from three sessions (mean difference 0.2, P=0.83). The single-session approach exceeded 80% probability of cost-effectiveness at £20,000/QALY. Both trials confirm breathing exercises are safe, practical, and effective for managing respiratory symptoms during lung cancer treatment.

Evidence

Exercise Training in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer During In-Hospital Chemotherapy Treatment: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Authors: Casaburi, Richard, Jastrzebski, Dariusz, Rutkowska, Anna, Rutkowski, Sebastian, Stanula, Arkadiusz, Szczegielniak, Jan, Ziora, Dariusz, Żebrowska, Aleksandra

Published: March 1, 2019

In a randomized controlled trial with 30 non-small cell lung cancer patients (20 exercise, 10 control), an exercise program incorporating respiratory muscle exercises during chemotherapy led to significant spirometry improvements: FEV1 % predicted increased from 76 ± 16 to 84 ± 15 (P = .01), FVC % predicted from 87 ± 14 to 95 ± 13 (P = .01), and FEV1/FVC ratio from 73 ± 13% to 76 ± 12% (P = .04). The 4-week program was performed in 2-week cycles interspersed with chemotherapy rounds. No adverse events were reported. The control group receiving chemotherapy alone showed no significant improvements in any spirometry parameter.

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A randomised controlled trial of three or one breathing technique training sessions for breathlessness in people with malignant lung disease.

Authors: Barton, Rachael, Booth, Sara, English, Anne, Johnson, Miriam J, Kanaan, Mona, Nabb, Samantha, Richardson, Gerry, Torgerson, David

Published: September 7, 2015

In this multi-centre RCT across eight UK centres, 156 participants with intrathoracic cancer and refractory breathlessness were randomised 1:2 to three sessions (n=52) or a single session (n=104) of a complex breathlessness intervention. Overall worst breathlessness scores (0-10 NRS) decreased from 6.81 (SD 1.89) at baseline to 5.84 (SD 2.39) at 4 weeks. Primary AUC analysis (n=124, 79% completion) showed no between-arm difference: three sessions 22.86 (SD 7.12) vs single session 22.58 (SD 7.10); mean difference 0.2, 95% CI -2.31 to 2.97, P=0.83. The probability of the single session being cost-effective at a £20,000/QALY threshold exceeded 80%.

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