Laughter therapy can help people with COPD breathe more easily
A clinical trial for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) shows that laughter therapy can reduce breathing difficulties and is as effective as more traditional breathing exercises. The research was presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain.
A clinical trial has shown that laughter therapy can help reduce breathing difficulties in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious lung condition that affects millions worldwide. The study, presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Barcelona, Spain, compared laughter therapy with traditional breathing exercises and a control group that did not perform any breathing exercises.
In the trial, 63 COPD patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups. One-third practiced laughter therapy, another group performed pursed-lip breathing exercises, and the final group had no breathing exercises. Pursed-lip breathing, an established technique for COPD patients, involves inhaling through the nose and exhaling slowly through pursed lips, helping to clear trapped air in the lungs.
Laughter therapy involved teaching patients various exercises, including rhythmic clapping with vocal sounds, playful laughter mimicking sounds like a motorcycle starting or a lion's roar, laughter meditation, and relaxation exercises with calm breathing and smiling. All exercises were taught in person and practiced for 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks. Support was provided through video calls and text messages.
The researchers found that both laughter therapy and pursed-lip breathing exercises significantly reduced breathlessness in COPD patients, with these effects lasting even a month after the program ended. Additionally, both interventions improved overall health and well-being. Dr. Goncagul Aldan, the lead researcher and nurse, highlighted that laughter therapy offers a low-cost, accessible, and enjoyable technique that patients can practice at home alongside their existing treatment.
While the exact mechanisms behind laughter therapy's effects in COPD remain unclear, it is believed that laughter may improve breathing muscle function, promote deeper exhalation, and release endorphins for both physical and emotional relief. The study's findings suggest that laughter therapy could be a valuable addition to existing COPD care, complementing medication and pulmonary rehabilitation programs.
Researchers hope to expand the study with more patients and conduct international collaborations to investigate these approaches in clinical settings worldwide.
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