Effects of Combined Program of Laughter and Exercise vs Exercise-Only Program in Pneumoconiosis Patients

Abstract

Previous studies have focused on the physical health, but mental health issues such as depression and anxiety are also important in pneumoconiosis patients. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of a combined program of laughter and exercise and an exercise-only program on physical and mental health of patients with pneumoconiosis. Intervention was conducted with 20 participants in each the experimental and the comparison groups, three times a week for five weeks. The experimental group received a combined intervention of laughter and exercise, and the comparison group received exercise-only intervention. In results, no significant difference in physical health variables between the two groups, but within-group preand post-data comparison showed that peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SPO2) was significantly increased in the experimental group, and subjectively perceived dyspnea was significantly reduced in both groups. As for the mental health variables, no significant difference in depression was found, while anxiety and the quality of life were significantly improved in the experimental group. Thus, the combined program of laughter and exercise had a significant effect on mental health and a partial effect on physical health in patients with pneumoconiosis. 1