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The effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on the quality of life in patients with COPD
open access
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity, hospitalization and disability among lung diseases. Its chronic, progressive nature and acute exacerbations influence the quality and expectancy of life of COPD patients. The pulmonary rehabilitation is a basic non-pharmacological intervention in COPD and its role is increasing in recent years. The goal of this work was to evaluate the impact on quality of life patients undergoing 3 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Material and methods: 132 patients with COPD were admitted to pulmonary rehabilitation program; 70 completed the 3 weeks long program. Pulmonary function tests, exercise endurance, quality of life (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire) were measured at baseline, 3 weeks, and 3 months.
Results: There was significant improvement in quality of life in St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and exercise endurance (treadmill) measured at 3 weeks and at 3 months. Parameters of lung function tests did not improved after completion of rehabilitation.
Conclusions: 3 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation program of patients with COPD was effective in improving exercise endurance and the quality of life. The improvement was noted as well at 3 months post rehabilitation.
Abstract
Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity, hospitalization and disability among lung diseases. Its chronic, progressive nature and acute exacerbations influence the quality and expectancy of life of COPD patients. The pulmonary rehabilitation is a basic non-pharmacological intervention in COPD and its role is increasing in recent years. The goal of this work was to evaluate the impact on quality of life patients undergoing 3 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation program.
Material and methods: 132 patients with COPD were admitted to pulmonary rehabilitation program; 70 completed the 3 weeks long program. Pulmonary function tests, exercise endurance, quality of life (St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire) were measured at baseline, 3 weeks, and 3 months.
Results: There was significant improvement in quality of life in St. George’s Respiratory Questionnaire and exercise endurance (treadmill) measured at 3 weeks and at 3 months. Parameters of lung function tests did not improved after completion of rehabilitation.
Conclusions: 3 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation program of patients with COPD was effective in improving exercise endurance and the quality of life. The improvement was noted as well at 3 months post rehabilitation.
Keywords
COPD; pulmonary rehabilitation; quality of life
About this articleTitle
The effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on the quality of life in patients with COPD
Journal
Advances in Respiratory Medicine
Issue
Pages
147-152
Published online
2007-06-03
Bibliographic record
Pneumonol Alergol Pol 2007;75(2):147-152.
Keywords
COPD
pulmonary rehabilitation
quality of life
Authors
Jacek Drozdowski
Stanisław Bakuła
Adrianna Drozdowska
Krzysztof Kędziora
Maria Porzezińska
Jan Marek Słomiński