Cool facial airflow speeds recovery from exertion induced breathlessness in people with chronic breathlessness

Burrell, Thomas

Abstract

Background: Evidence supports facial airflow from a handheld fan to reduce breathlessness in patients with chronic breathlessness. The thesis explored the effectiveness of different airflow speeds on recovery from exertion-induced breathlessness.
Methods: Repeated n=1 randomised controlled trial with moderate-severe chronic breathlessness (mMRC 3). The order of four airflow speeds and control (no handheld fan) were randomised for use during the 10 minutes recovery from breathlessness induced by a 1-minute sit-to-stand test (5 tests in total). Outcome measures included Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) breathlessness intensity (every minute), facial skin thermal imaging (0, 3, and 5 minutes), oxygen saturation and heart rate (every 30 seconds) were recorded over 10 minutes. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, repeated measures ANOVA, with simple contrast analysis.
Results: 10 participants were recruited (n=1 withdrawn due to health concerns, and n=1 excluded due to limited exertion-induced breathlessness post-exercise test). 8 participants (mean age 65± 15yrs, range 34-82yrs; 5 men; 7 COPD, 1 Long Covid) completed assessments. An interaction effect for fan speed over time (p=0.010, ηp2=0.192) suggests that airflow speed impacted breathlessness recovery from exercise.
Simple contrast analysis of each minute of recovery found a significant difference between fan speed level 2 and control from minutes four to eight, compared with levels 1 and 3 from minutes seven to eight, and level 4 from minutes eight to ten.
A main effect of fan speed (p=<0.001, ηp2=0.758) and interaction effect of fan speed over time (p=<0.001, ηp2=0.686) indicate that airflow speed reduced skin facial temperature compared with control. A fan speed of 4.91 m/s had the greatest cooling effect but not the quickest recovery and participants stated they found this speed unpleasant.
Conclusion: Facial airflow from a fan improved exertion-induced breathlessness recovery and reduced facial skin temperature. The proposed optimal airflow speed for breathlessness recovery is ~2.85 m/s.

Citation

Burrell, T. Cool facial airflow speeds recovery from exertion induced breathlessness in people with chronic breathlessness. (Thesis). University of Hull. https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4869747

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: Oct 22, 2024
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 29, 2024
• Keywords: Sports science
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/4869747
• Additional Information: School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Science; University of Hull
• Award Date: May 28, 2024