Unlocking the power of gamification: Video game-based breathing vs. conventional breathing exercises on pulmonary and extrapulmonary features in children with asthma

OBJECTIVE: The benefits of incorporating breathing exercises as an adjunct to medical treatment in the management of asthma are well established. Video game-based interventions are notable for the additional advantages they offer to children with chronic respiratory diseases; however, research specifically focusing on children with asthma remains limited. This study aimed to compare the effects of video game-based breathing exercises and conventional breathing exercises on pulmonary and extrapulmonary features in children with asthma. METHODS: Thirty-four children with asthma aged 8-18 years were randomly divided into gamification group (GG) and control group (CG). The GG performed video game-based breathing exercises and the CG performed conventional breathing exercises 5 days a week for 8 wk. Pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, dyspnea, fatigue, asthma control, and quality of life were assessed at baseline and after 8 wk of training. RESULTS: Pulmonary function, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, functional capacity, and total and physical dimensions of both fatigue and quality of life improved in both GG and CG; however, the improvement in the GG was greater. Significant changes in inspiratory capacity and improvement in dynamic hyperinflation were found only in the GG. Both methods were insufficient in improving dyspnea and asthma control. CONCLUSION: While breathing exercises are beneficial for children with asthma in improving pulmonary and extrapulmonary features, the video game-based method may provide further improvements. More importantly, the video game-based method is superior to the conventional method as it is also successful in improving dynamic hyperinflation.