Skip to main content
Log in

Fifteen-month follow-up with asthmatics utilizing EMG/Incentive inspirometer feedback

  • Original Articles
  • Published:
Biofeedback and Self-regulation Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study reports on the follow-up data of an integrated group program to reduce asthmatic symptoms. The 16 sessions included a comprehensive multibehavioral/desensitization retraining program and utilized EMG/Incentive inspirometer feedback to encourage slow diaphragmatic breathing in all situations. 17 out of 21 volunteers participated in the 15-month follow-up study. At the follow-up all subjects significantly reduced their EMG tension levels while simultaneously increasing their inhalation volumes. Subjects reported reductions in their asthma symptoms, medication use, emergency room visits, and breathless episodes.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Cluss, P. A. (1986). Behavioral interventions as adjunctive treatments for chronic asthma.Progress in Behavioral Modification, 20 123–160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahl, J., Gustafsson, D., & Melin, L. (1990). Effects of a behavioral treatment program on children with asthma.Journal of Asthma, 27(1), 41–46.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peper, E. (1985). Hope for asthmatics.Somatics, V(2), 56–62.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peper, E. (1988). Strategies to reduce the effort of breathing: Electromyographic and inspirometry biofeedback.Respiratory Psychophysiology (pp. 113–122). London: MacMillan Press, Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peper, E. (1990).Breathing for health with biofeedback. Montreal: Thought Technology, Ltd.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peper, E., Waddell, D., & Smith, K. (1987). EMG and incentive inspirometer (Voldyne) feedback to reduce symptoms in asthma.Biofeedback and Self-Regulation, 12(2 159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peper, E., & Waddell, D. (1987). Teaching diaphragmatic breathing with EMG and inhalation feedback to reduce asthmatic symptoms.Proceedings of the 8th annual meeting of the Society of Behavioral Medicine (pp. 32–33). Knoxville: SBM.

    Google Scholar 

  • Peper, E., Smith, K., & Waddell, D. (1987). Voluntary wheezing versus diaphragmatic breathing and voldyne feedback: A clinical intervention in the treatment of asthma.Clinical Biofeedback and Health, 10(2), 83–88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Roland, M., & Peper, E. (1987). Inhalation volume changes with inspirometer feedback and diaphragmatic breathing coaching.Clinical Biofeedback and Health, 10(2), 89–97.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tibbetts, V., & Peper, E. (1988). Incentive inspirometer feedback for desensitization with asthmatic provoking triggers: A clinical protocol.Proceedings of the nineteenth annual Meeting of the Biofeedback Society of America (pp. 200–203). Wheat Ridge: BSA.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Additional information

We thank Ms. Michelle Roland, Kathy Smith, and Jeanne Charbonneau for their helpful assistance.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Peper, E., Tibbetts, V. Fifteen-month follow-up with asthmatics utilizing EMG/Incentive inspirometer feedback. Biofeedback and Self-Regulation 17, 143–151 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01000104

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01000104

Descriptor Key Words

Navigation