Which breathing technique is noted as helpful in Duchenne muscular dystrophy physical therapy?

• A. Pursed lip breathing
• B. Diaphragmatic breathing with breath-holding
• C. Rapid shallow breathing
• D. Forced expiration without relaxed exhalation

Answer: (A)

In Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the respiratory muscles weaken and breathing becomes more work. A technique that helps with efficiency and reduces dyspnea is pursed-lip breathing. By exhaling through slightly pursed lips, you create a little resistance that raises the pressure in the airways during expiration. This back pressure helps keep small airways from collapsing as air moves out, which improves airway patency and makes expiration more controlled.

Slowing the expiratory flow also lengthens the time available for gas exchange, which can improve oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide removal. It reduces the overall work of breathing because the person doesn’t have to push hard to force air out through floppy, weak muscles, and it can help prevent rapid, shallow breathing that tends to be inefficient in neuromuscular conditions. This technique can be particularly beneficial during activity or PT sessions when breathlessness tends to spike.

Other options describe breathing patterns that are generally less favorable for DMD: rapid, shallow breathing increases dead space and energy expenditure; breath-holding strategies can fatigue already weak muscles and aren’t sustainable; forcing expiration without relaxation can raise work of breathing and may promote airway instability. Pursed-lip breathing provides a practical, energy-efficient way to improve ventilation and ease breathlessness in these patients.