Outcome of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at Chest Department, Zagazig University Hospitals (2014–2016)

Context Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a very disabling disorder that is accompanied by some extrapulmonary manifestations. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is outlined to enhance both physical and psychological condition of patients with chronic chest diseases. Aims We aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of 8 weeks of outpatient PR on improving breathlessness, quality of life, exercise tolerance, and functional ability in patients with stable COPD. Settings and design A randomized controlled clinical study was conducted. Patients and methods The current study was carried out on 80 patients with stable COPD who were classified into group 1, where 40 patients were subjected to usual pharmacological therapy for COPD and PR for 8 weeks, and group 2, where 40 patients were subjected to usual pharmacological therapy only. Both groups were assessed regarding spirometric pulmonary function, arterial blood gases, 6 min walk test, dyspnea score (modified-Medical Research Council), and health-related quality of life [Saint George respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ)]. SPSS 20.0 for windows and MedCalc 13 for windows were used for statistical analysis. Results Approximately 50% of patients in group 1 showed improvement in dyspnea, whereas only 25% of patients were improved in group 2. Moreover, there was a statistical significance difference between both patient groups regarding the post-treatment improvement in 6 min walk distance (6MWD) and the post-treatment improvement in the three components of SGRQ score and also in the total SGRQ score ( P <0.001). The improvement in 6MWD showed significantly inverse correlation with the baseline age, modified-Medical Research Council, and SGRQ scores, whereas the improvement in 6MWD was significantly directly correlated with the baseline forced expiratory volume in 1 s, forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity, PaO 2 , and baseline 6MWD. Conclusion PR for patients with stable COPD is an effective tool for improving quality of life, exercise capacity, and dyspnea score.