Abstract
Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation on control of asthma, spirometric parameters, functional capacity and lower limb muscle strength in patients with asthma.
Methods: Thirty patients were randomized to training (TG) or control (CG) groups. All patients were evaluated with the asthma control test, spirometry, six-minute walk test (6MWT) and 30 seconds chair stand test (30CST). TG received home-based pulmonary rehabilitation consisting of stretching exercises, strengthening exercises for upper and lower extremities, breathing exercises and regular physical activity as walking for 8 weeks, with a minimum of 3 days per week. One of these sessions was supervised every week by the same physiotherapist.
All these exercises were practiced with equipment that patients can easily provide at home and the intensity of the exercises gradually increased. CG only received a booklet about breathing exercises and physical activity in addition to one educational session. Also, a pedometer and exercise diary were given to all patients.
Results: There were significant improvements in asthma control test, PEF, 6MWT and 30CST (p<0,05) in TG. There were also significant improvements in astma control test and 30CST (p<0.05) in CG. Improvements in PEF, 6MWT and 30CST were significantly higher in TG compared to CG (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs can be given to increase functional capacity and respiratory parameters in asthmatic adults who cannot be supervised for various reasons.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 5179.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020