title: Respiratory physiotherapy: towards a clearer definition of terminology.
abstract: Interventions used in clinical practice and research need to be described in sufficient detail to permit accurate replication. Since words and phrases can change their meaning over time, it is important that authors choose their words carefully and define anything which might be ambiguous. 'Breathing exercises' is a phrase which covers a multitude of therapeutic approaches. Recent randomised controlled trials have established the value of teaching patients with asthma to retrain their breathing. However, the descriptions of the breathing interventions are generally inadequate. This problem stems partly from a degree of confusion surrounding terms such as 'diaphragmatic breathing' which has been variously interpreted. A more structured approach to reporting such interventions is proposed. This approach will help to avoid confusion, and will permit the transfer of those interventions found to be effective in research trials into routine clinical practice.
authors: Highfield Campus, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK. ab7@soton.ac.uk
authors: Anne
authors: A
authors: Bruton
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Garrod
authors: Mike
authors: M
authors: Thomas
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001945:Breathing Exercises; D006801:Humans; D012138:Respiratory Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D009626:Terminology as Topic