Synergistic Effects of Pursed-Lip Breathing and Music Therapy on Oxygen Saturation in Pulmonary Tuberculosis: A Narrative Literature Review
Main Article Content
Abstract
Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis remains a significant global health problem and is often associated with impaired gas exchange leading to decreased oxygen saturation. Non-pharmacological interventions such as pursed-lip breathing and music therapy have been explored to improve respiratory function and enhance patient comfort.
Objective: This review aims to analyze the synergistic effects of pursed-lip breathing and music therapy on oxygen saturation in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.
Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted on articles published between 2021 and 2026. Literature searches were performed using databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, DOAJ, and Garuda with relevant keywords. A total of 15–20 articles were selected based on inclusion criteria and analyzed descriptively.
Results: The findings indicate that pursed-lip breathing improves ventilation efficiency, prolongs exhalation, and enhances oxygen exchange, while music therapy promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and stabilizes respiratory patterns. Several studies reported improvements in oxygen saturation and overall respiratory parameters following these interventions.
Discussion: The combination of pursed-lip breathing and music therapy may produce synergistic effects by integrating physiological and psychological mechanisms, leading to improved oxygenation and reduced respiratory distress in pulmonary tuberculosis patients.
Conclusion: Pursed-lip breathing combined with music therapy shows potential as a complementary intervention to improve oxygen saturation in pulmonary tuberculosis, although further high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
References
I. Wu D, Wang L, Zhang L. Efficacy and safety of step-by-step Baduanjin exercise based on doctor-nurse-patient integration mode for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients after lobectomy due to pulmonary tuberculosis: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Cardiothorac Surg 2024;19:520. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13019-024-03042-w.
II. Huang N, Peng L, Li H, Si J, Shi L, Wang Y, et al. Meta-Analysis of the Effect of Aerobic Exercise Combined with Respiratory Training on Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. COPD J Chronic Obstr Pulm Dis 2025;22. https://doi.org/10.1080/15412555.2025.2519598.
III. Dodange Z, Darvishpour A, Ershad MJ, Gholami-Chaboki B. Comparison of the Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing and Pursed-lip Breathing Exercises on the Sleep Quality of Elderly Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Clinical Trial Study. Ther Adv Pulm Crit Care Med 2024;19. https://doi.org/10.1177/29768675241302901.
IV. Chadha N, Blackstock FC, Smith S, Camp PG, Tang C. Characteristics of rehabilitation programs for chronic respiratory diseases in Asia: A scoping review. Respir Med 2025;236:107885. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rmed.2024.107885.
V. Zeng Q, Lin X, Chen W, Fong DYT, Li J, Li J. Effectiveness of a harmonica-integrated, tele-supervised home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program on lung function and comprehensive health outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial protocol. Front Public Heal 2025;13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpubh.2025.1541866.
VI. Ray E, Astles C. An overview of prescribing practice and non-pharmacological treatments in COPD. J Prescr Pract 2023;5:250–60. https://doi.org/10.12968/jprp.2023.5.6.250.
VII. Jang K-S, Oh J-E, Jeon G-S. Effects of Simulated Laughter Therapy Using a Breathing Exercise: A Study on Hospitalized Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022;19:10191. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610191.
VIII. Bates ML. Respiratory diseases are whole body diseases: opportunities for growth in respiratory physiology. Am J Physiol Cell Mol Physiol 2021;321:L628–30. https://doi.org/10.1152/ajplung.00326.2021.
IX. Stana M, Grambozov B, Gaisberger C, Karner J, Ruznic E, Berchtold J, et al. Carbon Monoxide Diffusing Capacity (DLCO) Correlates with CT Morphology after Chemo-Radio-Immunotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Stage III. Diagnostics 2022;12:1027. https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics12051027.
X. Cheng WL-S, Tang AC-Y, Tsang MC-M, Wong LL-K, Körlin D. Effect of music breathing, a program based on mindful breathing and music listening therapy for promoting sense of coherence in young people: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials 2023;24:662. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-023-07645-x.
XI. Pandini I, Lahdji A, Noviasari NA, Anggraini MT. The Effect of Family Social Support and Self Esteem in Improving the Resilience of Tuberculosis Patients. Media Keperawatan Indones 2022;5:14. https://doi.org/10.26714/mki.5.1.2022.14-21.
XII. Vuust P, Heggli OA, Friston KJ, Kringelbach ML. Music in the brain. Nat Rev Neurosci 2022;23:287–305. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41583-022-00578-5.
XIII. Rodgers-Melnick SN, Bradt J, Jenerette C, Dusek JA. Recommendations for patient-reported outcome use in music therapy practice and research within chronic pain and sickle cell disease populations. Nord J Music Ther 2024;33:319–33. https://doi.org/10.1080/08098131.2024.2316344.
XIV. Mailis A, Assimakopoulos D, Lakha SF, Hapidou E. An Integrated Medical and Psychological Approach to Understanding and Assessing Chronic Pain. Handb. Psychol. Inj. Law, Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland; 2025, p. 669–93. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-69734-0_21.
XV. World Health Organization. Global Tuberculosis Report 2022. World Heal Organ 2022. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240061729 (accessed March 18, 2026).