Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in recovery phase

Abstract

Objective To analyze the effects of cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training on heart rate variability(HRV)and lung function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)in recovery phase. Methods Totally 78 patients with COPD in recovery phase were selected and randomly divided into observation group(n=34)and control group(n=44). The control group was given routine rehabilitation intervention, while the observation group was given cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training on the basis of the control group. Both groups were intervened for 12 weeks. The exercise tolerance, HRV indexes, lung function indexes and quality of life were compared between the two groups before and 12 weeks after the intervention. Results After intervention, the 6 minutes walking distance test(6MWT), HRV indexes and pulmonary function indexes of the observation group increased significantly, the scores of COPD Assessment Test(CAT)and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire decreased significantly, and the results of 6MWT and HRV in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group, and the scores of each dimension of CAT and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05). Conclusion Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation training can enhance the exercise endurance and improve HRV indexes, lung function indexes and quality of life in patients with COPD.