Breathing in Sport and Exercise: Studying the Physiology and Pathophysiology of Breathing During Physical Activity and its Implications for Endurance Physiology and Performance

Abstract

Background: The integration of digital health technologies in the management of chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension has gained significant attention due to its potential to enhance patient outcomes. These technologies facilitate continuous monitoring and tailored treatment adjustments, which could revolutionize chronic disease management.

Objective: The objective of the study on the physiology and pathophysiology of breathing during physical activity focuses on understanding how various adaptations and maladaptations in respiratory physiology affect endurance performance.

Methods: A multi-center, randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 1200 patients from 15 healthcare centers. Participants were randomly assigned to either the intervention group, receiving digital health tools including wearable devices and mobile applications, or the control group receiving standard care. The primary outcomes measured were HbA1c levels for diabetic patients and blood pressure readings for hypertensive patients, assessed at baseline and after 6 months. Data analysis was performed using a mixed-model approach to account for repeated measures and potential confounders.

Results: At baseline, the mean HbA1c level was 7.5% in both groups. After 6 months, the intervention group showed a significant reduction to 6.8% (SD = 1.1), compared to 7.2% (SD = 1.2) in the control group. Hypertensive patients started with an average blood pressure of 140/90 mmHg. After 6 months, the intervention group improved to 130/85 mmHg, whereas the control group only decreased to 138/88 mmHg. These results were statistically significant with p-values <0.001.

Conclusion: Digital health interventions significantly improved the management of diabetes and hypertension compared to standard care. These technologies hold promise for enhancing patient-centered care and optimizing treatment outcomes in chronic disease management.