The Physiotherapy Assessment of Breathing Pattern Dysfunction (PHAB)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An evaluation of physiotherapy assessment: A mixed methods study to evaluate the physiotherapy assessment of Breathing Pattern Disorder
IRAS ID
315897
Contact name
Lizzie JF Grillo
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Royal Brompton Hospital Research Office
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 26 days
Research summary
When the natural rhythm of breathing is disrupted, people can develop an unhelpful way of compensating, for example, by breathing too fast or too deeply when this is unnecessary. The medical term for this is a breathing pattern disorder (BPD).
BPD is present in around 10% of the general public and in up to 30% of people with asthma. It is also a significant problem after COVID-19, with up to 30% of patients with ‘long Covid’ having BPD. National guidelines recommend assessment for BPD in follow-up clinics.
BPD often goes undiagnosed, bringing additional distress to those patients who do not know what is wrong with them. Often, symptoms are thought to be due to a respiratory condition, which may lead to treatment with medications patients do not need, offering limited symptom relief.
Improving access to, and timely assessment by, a specialist respiratory physiotherapist is essential to confirm the presence of BPD and give the relevant treatment that can improve patients’ symptoms. However, we currently have limited tools to identify all types of BPD.
In 2017 we developed an questionnaire called the Breathing Pattern Assessment Tool (BPAT) for clinicians to use to evaluate BPD. It is used clinically but further testing is now required to ensure it is suitable.
The terms used for this condition are also inconsistent, which can be confusing in clinical practice and research if we are not all talking about the same condition.Stage 1 : An interview study to build consensus around the terminology used for this condition and the methods of assessment required to secure a diagnosis
Stage 2a: A study to determine the consistency, accuracy and responsiveness of the BPAT'
Stage 2b: An interview-based study to explore patients' and clinicians' experiences of physiotherapy assessments for BPD.REC name
Wales REC 7
REC reference
23/WA/0095
Date of REC Opinion
14 Mar 2023
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion