Role of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Aims and objectives- To determine the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with COPD regarding Clinical symptoms Status of exercise tolerance Status of physical and social performance Quality of life Method- 50 patients with stable COPD, who were willing to participate, were included in study. All patients were taught chest physiotherapy, bronchial hygiene, education about disease and its management and proper nutrition. All patients were assessed regarding any psychological problems. Daily 30-35 minute sessions were conducted at institute for initial 4 weeks and then home care was taught. Patient was assessed periodically for symptoms, quality of life and spirometric findings. All variables were recorded at baseline and after completion. Statistical analysis were performed using student’s‘t’ test and p values observed. Result- Dyspnea scale measured by Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) (3.0 ± 0.66) improved after program (1.89 ± 0.83, p value less than 0.0001) which is statistically very significant. Health related quality of life measured by using St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire 49.74 ± 5.17 improved significantly 40.92 ± 4.87 after program (p value less than 0.0001) 6 minute walk distance (280.9 ± 18.04) improved significantly after program (303 ± 17.34) (‘p’ value less than 0.0001) Spirometric parameters like FVC (p value 0.02), FEV1 (p value 0.17) and FEV1 / FVC ratio (p value 0.76) do not show any statistically significant changes after program.