Impact of laughter on air trapping in severe chronic obstructive lung disease.

Full Abstract

Static and dynamic hyperinflation is an important factor of exertional dyspnea in patients with severe COPD. This proof-of-concept intervention trial sought to study whether laughter can reduce hyperinflation through repetitive expiratory efforts in patients with severe COPD. For small groups of patients with severe COPD (n = 19) and healthy controls (n = 10) Pello the clown performed a humor intervention triggering regular laughter. Plethysmography was done before and up to 24 hours after intervention. Laughing and smiling were quantified with video-analysis. Real-time breathing pattern was assessed with the LifeShirt, and the psychological impact of the intervention was monitored with self-administered questionnaires. The intervention led to a reduction of TLC in COPD (p = 0.04), but not in controls (p = 0.9). TLC reduction was due to a decline of the residual volume. Four (22 [CI 95% 7 to 46] %) patients were > or = 10% responders. The frequency of smiling and TLC at baseline were independent predictors of TLC response. The humor intervention improved cheerfulness, but not seriousness nor bad mood. In conclusion, smiling induced by a humor intervention was able to reduce hyperinflation in patients with severe COPD. A smiling-derived breathing technique might complement pursed-lips breathing in patients with symptomatic obstruction.

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Author information

Author/s: Brutsche, Martin H (MH); Grossman, Paul (P); Müller, Rebekka E (RE); Wiegand, Jan (J); Pello, (); Baty, Florent (F); Ruch, Willibald (W);

Affiliation: University Hospital Basel, Switzerland mbrutsche(-atsign-)uhbs.ch

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial; Journal Article; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Journal: International journal of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis), published in New Zealand. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2008-; vol 3 (issue 1) : pp 185-92

Dates: Created 2008/05/19; Completed 2008/07/10;

PMID: 18488442, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/6/2008)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Exhalation - physiology
Female
Humans
Laughter Therapy
Male

Male
Middle Aged
Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity - physiology
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive - physiopathology; psychology; therapy
Smiling
Spirometry
Total Lung Capacity
Treatment Outcome

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