EFFECTIVENESS OF NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL AND NURSING INTERVENTIONS FOR DYSPNEA IN COPD PATIENTS: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Author Name: Dr. Manish Kumar Tripathi

Volume/Issue: 05/09

Country: India

DOI NO.: 11.2023-61555522 DOI Link: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/08.2025-47158112/UIJIR

Affiliation:

1. Professor, Ramsnehi College of Nursing, Bhilwara, Rajasthan, India

ABSTRACT

Background: Dyspnea is one of the most debilitating symptoms experienced by patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), significantly impairing physical function and quality of life. Despite optimal pharmacological management, many patients continue to suffer from breathlessness. Non-pharmacological and nursing-led interventions are increasingly recognized as effective adjuncts to standard therapy. Objective: To systematically review and evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological and nursing interventions—such as inspiratory muscle training (IMT), Tai Chi, pulmonary rehabilitation, and breathing techniques—in reducing dyspnea and improving quality of life in patients with COPD. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for studies published between January 2020 and June 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials (RCTs), meta-analyses, and systematic reviews involving adult COPD patients receiving non-pharmacological or nursing-led interventions. Outcomes assessed were dyspnea (MMRC, Borg Scale, TDI) and quality of life (SGRQ, CAT). Risk of bias was evaluated using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool and AMSTAR-2 for reviews. Results: Fifteen studies (11 RCTs, 2 meta-analyses, 2 systematic reviews) met the inclusion criteria. IMT showed moderate-to-large reductions in dyspnea (SMD –0.50 to –0.90) and improvements in quality of life (SMD 0.48). Tai Chi and Tai Chi Qigong significantly improved functional capacity and SGRQ scores (12–17 point reductions). Nursing empowerment within pulmonary rehabilitation programs enhanced adherence, psychological outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Non-pharmacological interventions, especially IMT and Tai Chi, are effective in alleviating dyspnea and enhancing quality of life in COPD patients. Nursing-led strategies play a critical role in optimizing these outcomes. Further multicenter RCTs with standardized outcome measures and long-term follow-up are recommended.

Key words: COPD, Dyspnea, Nursing Interventions, Inspiratory Muscle Training, Tai Chi, Quality of Life