Story perspectives

Laughter Therapy and Breathing Exercises Ease COPD Breathlessness

9/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Researchers in Turkey found laughter therapy and pursed-lip breathing reduced breathlessness in COPD patients.
The eight-week trial enrolled 63 patients at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, with 30-minute sessions three times weekly.
Both interventions improved respiratory function compared with the no-exercise group, and benefits lasted at least one month.
Emma Rubach of Asthma + Lung UK called laughter therapy an effective self-management technique for the 1.7 million UK COPD patients.

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Story summary

Researchers in Turkey found laughter therapy and pursed-lip breathing reduced breathlessness in COPD patients.
The eight-week trial enrolled 63 patients at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital, with 30-minute sessions three times weekly.
Both interventions improved respiratory function compared with the no-exercise group, and benefits lasted at least one month.
Emma Rubach of Asthma + Lung UK called laughter therapy an effective self-management technique for the 1.7 million UK COPD patients.