Physiotherapy in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND: Physiotherapy is an essential for the treatment of patients with chronic respiratory non-inflammatory diseases especially for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). AIM: To assess the effect of six months physiotherapy (PT) program on functional status in patients with COPD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The patients were divided into two groups according to the severity of the disease. Group A included 33 patients (mean age 68.6 ± 7.3; GOLD II – III stages). Group B included 32 patients (mean age 71.7 ± 6.9; GOLD I –II). They were referred to supervised PT program performed three times weekly for a half a year. All the patients were on standard medical care. At entry and after PT, six minutes walking test (6 MWT), Borg scale and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale were assessed. RESULTS: Significant changes in 6 MWT (p < 0.001) and mMRC scale (p < 0.001) were found after applied physical therapy program in patients of group A. Exertional dyspnoea decreased significantly in patients with group A (p < 0.001). Positive changes were found in physical tolerance in the patients of group B (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed the positive effect of six months physiotherapy in physical tolerance and dyspnoea in patients with COPD at different stages of the disease.