The Role of Physiotherapy in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation for COPD Patients

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive, individualized physiotherapy program in improving both physical and psychological outcomes in patients with moderate to severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). A quantitative, quasi-experimental design with a pre-test and post-test approach was employed, involving 40 COPD patients (20 males, 20 females) with an age range of 42-75 years. The intervention included breathing techniques, aerobic exercises, strength training, and psychological support delivered in two 45-minute sessions per week for 8 weeks. Outcome measures included pulmonary function (Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), Forced Vital Capacity (FVC)), exercise capacity (Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT)), dyspnea (Borg Dyspnea Scale), psychological well-being (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), and quality of life (EQ-5D). Post-intervention results showed significant improvements in pulmonary function, with FEV1 increasing from 1.45 L to 1.68 L (p < 0.05), and FVC improving from 2.80 L to 3.05 L (p < 0.05). Exercise capacity improved by 50 meters in the 6MWT, and significant reductions in dyspnea (from 6.5 to 4.0, p < 0.05) and psychological distress (anxiety and depression scores) were observed. Quality of life, as measured by EQ-5D, also showed significant improvements. These findings support the effectiveness of a holistic physiotherapy intervention in managing both the physical and psychological aspects of COPD, highlighting the importance of multidimensional rehabilitation for COPD patients.