Home-based exercise training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Milenkovi? B, Zizi?-Borjanovi? S, Borjanovi? S, Rebi? P

The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of a rehabilitation programme regarding the exercise tolerance, pulmonary functions and quality of life. The short-course, home-based, rehabilitation programme of physical exercise for lower limb muscles is based on walking at patients' fastest pace. Twenty-nine individuals with stable COPD were assessed before and after the 8-week rehabilitation programme using the six-minute walking test (6MWT), Borg breathlessness score, oxygen saturation, St. George's Hospital Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and spirometry. The 6MWT distance improved significantly from 337 to 362 m; SGRQ activity, impact and total scores improved significantly after the rehabilitation programme; anxiety and depression scores were significantly lower than the baseline as well as dyspnoea sensation and pulmonary function improved after an eight-week exercise programme. The authors conclude that this short-term and simple home-based exercise programme improved health status in COPD. It also improved exercise tolerance, breathlessness sensation and quality of life in COPD patients.

Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2007, 135(7-8):419-24

Link to Abstract