title: Targeting pCO(2) in asthma: pilot evaluation of a capnometry-assisted breathing training.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential benefits of a novel biofeedback breathing training for achieving sustained increases in pCO(2) levels.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twelve asthma patients were randomly assigned to an immediate 4-week treatment group or waiting list control. Patients were instructed to modify their respiration in order to change levels of end-tidal pCO(2) using a hand-held capnometer. Treatment outcome was assessed in frequency and distress of symptoms, asthma control, lung function, and variability of peak expiratory flow (PEF).
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found stable increases in pCO(2) and reductions in respiration rate during treatment and 2-month follow-up. Mean pCO(2) levels rose from a hypocapnic to a normocapnic range at follow-up. Frequency and distress of symptoms was reduced and reported asthma control increased. In addition, mean PEF variability decreased significantly in the treatment group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our pilot intervention provided evidence for the feasibility of pCO(2)-biofeedback training in asthma patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, TX 75205, USA. ameuret@smu.edu
authors.forename: Alicia E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Meuret
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ritz
authors.forename: Frank H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Wilhelm
authors.forename: Walton T
authors.initials: WT
authors.lastname: Roth
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000628:therapy*; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology / Q000379:methods*; D001785:Blood Gas Monitoring, Transcutaneous; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D016857:Hypocapnia / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014797:Vital Capacity; D014850:Waiting Lists
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide