# Laughter therapy efficacy for COPD symptoms

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/laughter-therapy-efficacy-for-copd-symptoms
> Updated: 2026-09-27T16:12:26.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

A randomized clinical trial presented at the European Respiratory Society Congress suggests that structured laughter therapy can alleviate symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

The study, conducted at Ankara Bilkent City Hospital in Türkiye, compared 63 participants across three groups: those practicing laughter therapy, those using pursed-lip breathing, and a control group. The laughter protocol included rhythmic clapping, vocal sounds, playful mimicry, and laughter meditation. 

Researchers found that laughter therapy was as effective as traditional pursed-lip breathing in reducing breathlessness. Participants reported fewer breathing difficulties and an improved overall state of health after an eight-week period. The therapy may help mitigate challenges such as ‘air trapping,’ where air remains in the lungs during exhalation. The benefits were observed to remain present one month after the program concluded. Researchers noted that laughter therapy serves as a low-cost, accessible, and equipment-free complement to existing COPD treatments.

## Claims

- A randomized controlled study was presented at the European Respiratory Society (ERS) congress. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Structured laughter therapy can alleviate symptoms for people with COPD. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Participants in the laughter therapy study reported an improved general state of health after eight weeks. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- Laughter may function similarly to a breathing exercise when applied correctly. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-27: Laughter therapy may alleviate COPD symptoms

A new study presented at the ERS congress indicates that structured laughter therapy can reduce breathing difficulties and improve general health for people with COPD.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/laughter-therapy-may-alleviate-copd-symptoms

### 2026-09-07: Laughter therapy found as effective as breathing exercises for COPD

A clinical trial in Türkiye found that structured laughter therapy is as effective as traditional pursed-lip breathing for easing breathlessness in patients with COPD.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/laughter-therapy-found-as-effective-as-breathing-exercises-for-copd

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Cite as: Laughter therapy efficacy for COPD symptoms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/laughter-therapy-efficacy-for-copd-symptoms