A feasibility trial of a digital breathing exercise intervention for
adolescents with asthma
Abstract
Background Many adolescents with asthma have dysfunctional breathing
and poor quality of life. Breathing retraining is recommended for
symptom management and breathing efficiency. This trial evaluated the
feasibility of conducting a definitive trial to evaluate the
effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of a digital breathing retraining
intervention for adolescents with asthma (Breathe4T – a mobile-friendly
website). Specifically, recruitment, follow-up response rates,
acceptability and uptake of the intervention and measures, as well as
agreement between two quality of life questionnaires were measured.
Methods Adolescents (12-17 years) with asthma and impaired quality of
life were recruited via UK primary and secondary care clinics and
randomised into two, unblinded groups. The intervention group accessed
Breathe4T for 6 months whilst the control group gained access after 6
months. Measures included quality of life (paediatric asthma quality of
life questionnaire and paediatric quality of life short form), asthma
control (asthma control test), healthcare utilisation and demographics
at baseline, 2 and 6 months. Website data and interviews explored
experiences of the intervention. Results 64 adolescents were
randomised. At 2 months 30.2% of participants returned data, however
telephone calls improved the rate to 70.3% at 6-month follow-up
Breathing retraining was acceptable to adolescents and was perceived to
have various benefits. Conclusions The study demonstrates
acceptability and feasibility of a future definitive trial to evaluate
effectiveness and impacts of a breathing retraining website on quality
of life. Implications for recruitment and maximising follow up rates
were identified. These learnings are likely to be applicable to other
adolescent studies.