Chest
Clinical InvestigationsExercise Training: Therapy for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Section snippets
METHODS
Twelve patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were selected from a larger group as candidates for exercise training after screening with history, including the MRC respiratory disease questionnaire,5 physical examination, and pulmonary function tests. Prerequisites for inclusion in the program were symptomatic chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with dyspnea while walking at an ordinary pace on level ground or on washing or dressing, and motivation to lead a more active life.
RESULTS
Eleven of the 12 patients completed the program and claimed they could “do more” with less shortness of breath. Patient 2 (Table 1) had recurrent episodes of bronchopneumonia and discontinued exercise after the initial studies. Analysis of diaries for patients completing the program showed that all had increased their activity of daily living. Diary analysis for patient 1 is shown in Figure 1. The other patients had similar records.
Patients completing the program had a significant decrease in
DISCUSSION
Emphysema accounts for 7 percent of disability pensions, and together with other bronchopulmonary disorders, accounts for 1.6 percent of annual deaths.1, 2 Bronchopulmonary disorders are numerous and precise diagnosis must be established for proper therapy.
Emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and bronchial asthma are different pathophysiologic processes which often coexist. Emphysema is an anatomic alteration of the lung characterized by an abnormal enlargement of air spaces distal to the terminal
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I wish to thank Paul Hurst, Meredith Kusch, and Charles McClave, II for technical assistance and Patricia Burke for preparation of the manuscript.
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1997, Archives of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationSleep and respiration: Implications for pulmonary rehabilitation
1992, Australian Journal of Physiotherapy
Studies were supported by the John A. Hartford Foundation and USPHS Grant No. 5-S01-FR-05489 and USPHS No. 5M01-RR-31-09.