Dr. Karthikeyan Thangavelu, MSPT, PhD, D.LITT, is a distinguished academician, researcher, and educator in the field of physiotherapy, specializing in functional rehabilitation care. With a career marked by a commitment to excellence, he has contributed significantly to clinical practice, teaching, and research. Dr. Thangavelu is currently serving as an Associate Professor and former Chairperson of the Department of Physiotherapy at Gurugram University, Haryana, where he has also held the position of Dean of Student Welfare. With a background rooted in both the clinical and academic spheres, his professional interests span across neurology, post-neuro surgical conditions, psychosomatic disorders, and sports injury rehabilitation. He is dedicated to promoting physical health, wellness, and fitness, and is particularly focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of sports injuries, aiming to minimize motor symptoms and maximize motor function. His vision is to be an internationally recognized role model of excellence in teaching, research, and community service, while his mission is to prepare competent graduates, postgraduates, and scholars for careers in health science disciplines, ultimately enhancing the delivery of optimal health care.
Dr. Karthikeyan Thangavelu, MSPT, PhD, D.LITT, is a prominent academician, researcher, and educator in physiotherapy, specializing in fitness, physical testing, prescription, and functional rehabilitation care.
Therapeutic effects of Pursed lip breathing versus Yoga improve pulmonary functions for treatment in Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
ABSTRACT:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disorder that causes symptoms like cough and breathlessness, and is significantly influenced by factors such as air pollution in developing countries like India. If left untreated, COPD can lead to a decline in overall health. This study aimed to compare the effects of pursed lip breathing (PLB) and Pranayama (Kumbhaka) on pulmonary function in individuals with COPD. The study included fifty COPD subjects, aged 40-60 years, diagnosed according to the American Thoracic Society (ATS) Guidelines. The subjects were divided into two groups of 25, with one group performing pursed lip breathing and the other practicing Pranayama (Kumbhaka) for six weeks, with two one-hour sessions each week. Spirometry was conducted at the beginning and end of the study, measuring forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). The results indicated a significant improvement in pulmonary function in both groups. However, pursed lip breathing demonstrated a greater improvement in pulmonary function, with a pre-treatment mean score of 59.68 and a post-treatment score of 67.08 (P<0.05), compared to Pranayama's pre-treatment mean score of 59.68 and post-treatment score of 65.08 (P<0.05). The study concluded that both treatments help improve pulmonary function in COPD patients, but pursed lip breathing was found to be more effective than Pranayama. This tailored six-week treatment approach enhances respiratory health, lung function, and overall well-being.