Respiratory Muscle Stretching Exercise for Improving Quality of Life of Patients With Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a chronic condition often arising after the successful treatment of lung tuberculosis, leading to diminished functional exercise capacity, increased fatigue, and reduced quality of life. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the efficacy of adding Respiratory Muscle Stretching (RMS) exercises to standard pulmonary rehabilitation in improving functional exercise capacity, reducing fatigue, and enhancing the quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis post-tuberculosis.

Bronchiectasis, a long-term sequelae of lung tuberculosis, is characterized by permanent dilation and damage of the bronchi, resulting in reduced lung function, persistent fatigue, and significantly impaired quality of life. Standard pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs, which include aerobic exercises and breathing techniques like Pursed Lip Breathing (PLB) and the Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT), are known to offer symptomatic relief and functional improvements. However, the role of Respiratory Muscle Stretching (RMS) in this context has not been well explored.

This clinical trial will assess the impact of RMS, when combined with standard PR, on key outcomes including functional exercise capacity, fatigue, and overall quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis following tuberculosis treatment. The study will involve a parallel assignment of patients to either the standard PR group or the PR plus RMS group, with outcomes measured over a 6-week intervention period. The primary endpoints will include changes in 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) distances, Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) scores, and Quality of Life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire) scores.