Laughter Therapy Shows Promise in Alleviating Breathlessness for COPD Patients
A clinical trial presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Congress in Barcelona, Spain, indicates that laughter therapy can significantly reduce breathing difficulties in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The research, led by Dr. Goncagul Aldan, a lecturer and nurse from Hacettepe University Faculty of Nursing, Ankara, Türkiye, compared laughter therapy with traditional pursed-lip breathing exercises and a control group. Patients in the laughter therapy group were taught a series of exercises including rhythmic clapping with vocal sounds, playful laughter exercises, laughter meditation, and relaxation techniques. Both laughter therapy and pursed-lip breathing groups practiced for 30 minutes, three times per week for eight weeks, with support via video calls and text messages. The results showed that both interventions led to less difficulty breathing and better overall health compared to the control group, with effects sustained a month after the program concluded. 
