Abstract |
Purpose : This study aims to investigate the long-term effects of comprehensive pulmonary exercise program on severe
COPD patient. Methods : A 70-year-old patient with a height of 158 cm and a weight of 51 kg who was diagnosed with
severe COPD was recruited. The comprehensive pulmonary exercise program was conducted for 36 months, 3 days per
week, and consisted of aerobic and strength exercises, respiratory muscle training, and breathing pattern reeducation.
The measurements included the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), peak expiratory flow (PEF), maximum
inspiratory pressure, maximum expiratory pressure, forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 sec, peak
oxygen uptake (VO2peak), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and COPD assessment test (CAT). Results : The mMRC and
CAT showed meaningful decreases following intervention while the PEF, FVC, VO2peak, and 6MWD remarkably increased
after intervention. Conclusion : In conclusion, our study results showed that the comprehensive pulmonary exercise
program may be helpful to improve dyspnea, sputum expectoration, lung function, functional capacity, and quality of life
and prevent respiratory muscle weakness and more narrowing airway in severe COPD patients |