Modified Active Cycle of Breathing Technique
The Active Cycle of Breathing Technique (ACBT), aims to improve the volume of air you get into your lungs, rehabilitating any segment with atelectasis (areas into which you are not getting enough air). It does so with a series of different types of breaths. It has a second component, assisting you with expectorating phlegm, but for this article, we will only focus on the deep breathing aspect. Therefore, I am calling it the modified version.
It is important to note that should you experience any dizziness, you must revert to normal breathing, or reduce the number of deep breaths at each step. As you get comfortable with this technique, you may do it in a seated position as well.
- Lie down comfortably.
- Take 3 deep breaths, breathing out after each breath.
- Take 3 ‘normal’ breaths focussing on breathing with your diaphragm (stomach) and not your shoulders. Exhale normally after each breath you take.
- Take 3 deep breaths, holding each breath for 3 counts.
- Take 3 ‘normal’ breaths.
- Take a deep breath and at the end, take a sniff through your nose as if to force a little bit more air in. Repeat this 3 times.
- Take 3 ‘normal’ breaths.
- If you need to cough, cough now.
- Repeat the cycle from the start.
Deep breathing can very effectively mobilise secretions or phlegm, so do not be alarmed if after completing this, you expectorate a little phlegm.
You may repeat this exercise 2 to 3 times per day. If you are sick, your health care practitioner may prescribe that you repeat it more often.
The technique above is provided to patients when they are admitted to hospital with bronchitis or pneumonia and is very helpful. Not only does it help to get rid of phlegm, it also prevents and treats little collapsing segments (atelectasis) and thus prevents complications. This is especially important in these times when patients might need to treat themselves at home. The technique is also used to treat patients with Covid-19 infections both in hospital and at home.
Lizanne qualified as a physiotherapist in 2000 at the University of the Free State, South Africa.
She has a special interest in cardiorespiratory conditions and rheumatology. She is currently working as part of a multidisciplinary team treating patients with chronic pain and rheumatological conditions in Pretoria, South Africa.
