The Effectiveness of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs in Managing Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Authors: Alya H. Aljahni, Fahdah M. Alotaibi, Taleb Ali Alessa, Areej Mohammed almansour

Country: Saudi Arabia

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Abstract: Abstract
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has emerged as an essential therapeutic strategy to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life in COPD patients.
Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of pulmonary rehabilitation programs in managing symptoms of COPD, focusing on improvements in exercise capacity, respiratory symptoms, and health-related quality of life.
Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published before 2013 were performed. Studies included adult patients diagnosed with COPD who underwent a structured PR program. Data were extracted regarding key outcomes, such as the six-minute walk test (6MWT), the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) scores, and the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. Quality assessment of studies was conducted using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool.
Results: A total of 12 RCTs involving 800 participants met the inclusion criteria. The analysis revealed significant improvements in 6MWT distances (mean difference 55 meters, 95% CI: 38-72, p<0.001) and reductions in SGRQ scores (mean difference -10.2, 95% CI: -12.8 to -7.6, p<0.001) post-rehabilitation. Furthermore, participants reported a decrease in dyspnea severity, as evidenced by improved mMRC scores (mean difference -0.6, 95% CI: -0.8 to -0.4, p<0.001). These findings suggest that PR not only enhances physical capacity but also significantly alleviates respiratory symptoms, contributing to better overall health-related quality of life in COPD patients.

Keywords: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Exercise Capacity, Quality of Life, Respiratory Symptoms.

Paper Id: 231334

Published On: 2013-09-06

Published In: Volume 1, Issue 1, September-October 2013

Cite This: The Effectiveness of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs in Managing Symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - Alya H. Aljahni, Fahdah M. Alotaibi, Taleb Ali Alessa, Areej Mohammed almansour - IJIRMPS Volume 1, Issue 1, September-October 2013.

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