Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Demonstrator, Department of Cardiovascular/ Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics Physical Therapy, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
2
Professor in Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular / Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics, Vice Dean Of Community Service and Environmental Development Affairs, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
3
Lecturer of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular/Respiratory Disorder and Geriatrics Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Egypt
4
Consultant of Internal Medicine and Nephrology at El Sahel Hospital
10.21608/iptccu.2025.440764
Abstract
Background: Non-pharmacological interventions like the Active Prolonged Inspiration technique, which combines sustained inspiratory effort and hypercapnia induction, offer a potential solution. Intractable hiccups, a distressing symptom in hemodialysis patients, significantly impair quality of life by disrupting eating, sleeping, and daily activities. This study determined the efficacy of active prolonged inspiration technique in relieving hiccups and its physiological effects in hemodialysis patients. Methods: thirty two hemodialysis patients (19 men and 13 women) were suffering from intractable hiccups with their age ranged from (45-64) years old recruited from El Sahel Teaching Hospital were randomized into two groups: Group A (9 men &7 women) received active prolonged inspiration training (3 sessions/week for 12 weeks) alongside conventional physical therapy training, while Group B (10 men &6 women) received conventional physical therapy training. Hiccups severity was assessed using a 0–10 scale, and arterial blood gases (PCO₂, PO₂, pH) were measured pre- and post-intervention, the duration of the study: from October 2024 to February 2025 Results: Group A exhibited a 67% reduction in hiccup scores, alongside a significant increase in PCO₂ (16%) and decrease in PO₂ (11.5%), indicating hypercapnia. Group B showed no significant changes. Between-group comparisons revealed statistically significant differences in post-intervention hiccup scores and PCO₂ levels (p=0.001), favoring active prolonged inspiration technique. No significant changes in pH were observed in either group. Conclusion: The active prolonged inspiration technique effectively reduces hiccup severity in hemodialysis patients, likely through hypercapnia and reflex arc modulation. Its simplicity, safety, and non-pharmacological nature make it a promising intervention for improving patient quality of life. Further research is warranted to optimize protocols and explore long-term efficacy.
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