Laughter Therapy Shows Promise in Reducing Breathlessness for COPD Patients

A clinical trial presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress in Barcelona suggests that laughter therapy can help ease respiratory difficulties for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The study, conducted with 63 patients at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital in Turkey, compared laughter therapy to pursed lip breathing and a control group that received no specialized exercises. Participants in the active groups completed 30 minute sessions three times weekly over eight weeks.

Results indicated that both laughter therapy and pursed lip breathing led to measurable improvements in breathlessness and overall health compared to the control group. These positive effects persisted for one month after the program concluded. Dr. Goncagul Aldan, a researcher from Hacettepe University, stated that these low cost techniques can be practiced at home without specialist support to improve daily wellbeing.

COPD is a progressive condition that obstructs airflow and can include emphysema and chronic bronchitis. While pursed lip breathing creates back pressure to help trapped air escape the lungs, researchers believe laughter may exercise breathing muscles and trigger the release of endorphins. Dr. Aldan noted that further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind how laughter therapy influences COPD symptoms.

Coverage of the study varied slightly in tone. A center left source framed the findings as a source of new hope for millions of people, while a center right source described the approach as an unconventional therapy.