International Journal of Advance Nursing Practice

Background: The incidence of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs), including conditions like pneumonia and asthma, has been increasing in India. Strelnikova breathing exercises have shown potential in enhancing respiratory function in children suffering from LRTIs. Aim of the Study: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of Strelnikova breathing exercises on the respiratory health of school-aged children diagnosed with LRTIs. Methodology: A true experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group was used. Sixty children, aged 3 to 12 years, diagnosed with LRTIs, were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (30 children) or the control group (30 children). Results: Children in the intervention group exhibited a notable improvement in respiratory status, as evidenced by a reduction in moderate infections from 76.7% in the pretest to 30% in the posttest, along with a shift toward mild infections (70%). The mean PRESS score significantly decreased from 2.17 to 1.20 (p=0.000). In contrast, the control group showed only slight improvement. Conclusion: The study found that Strelnikova breathing exercises significantly enhanced respiratory status in children with LRTIs, indicating that this intervention is effective in managing respiratory infections in pediatric patients. Further studies are suggested to explore its long-term effects.