Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation [NMES] On Quadriceps Muscle to Improve the Functional Exercise Capacity and Quality Of Life in Mild to Moderate COPD Patients

Abstract

Background: Prevalence of COPD is common in INDIA, though there are various means used for the treatment of this condition; NMES is still not included in usual rehabilitation of these patients. Since the beneficial effects of NMES on functional capacity are evident through various studies, we would like to evaluate the effect of the same in short treatment duration. Specific Objective: To find out the effectiveness of Neuromuscular electrical stimulation with usual pulmonary rehabilitation on functional exercise capacity and quality of life in mild to moderate COPD patients. Study Design: Quasi experimental study (pre-test and post-test with control group) Study Setting: Institute of Pulmonology -Pulmonology Rehabilitation, PSG Hospitals, Coimbatore. Participants: 30 mild to moderate COPD patients. Sampling: Convenience Sampling Study Duration: 6 months Treatment Duration: Group A – 45 minutes of usual pulmonary rehabilitation (short term package of PSG Institute of pulmonology) daily for 6 days. Group B – 30 minutes of NMES and 45 minutes of usual pulmonary rehabilitation (short term package of PSG Institute of pulmonology) for 6 days Measurement Tools: Six minute walk test (6MWT), Peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR),Modified BORG dyspnea scale, Physical activity index Results: The pre and post-test values for SMWT, PEFR, modified BORG dyspnea scale and PAI of Group A and Group B were documented and analyzed using paired ‘t’ test to compare the outcomes within the group and between the groups it was analyzed and compared using independent ‘t’ test. The calculated values of paired ‘t’ test for SMWT. PWFR, modified BORG dyspnea scale and PAI for group A is 8.910, 4.465, 3.205, 3.22 and that of group B is 7.898, 7.534, 10.738, 4.039 which are more than the table value at p<0.05 and this shows there is a significant difference within the groups. Based on SWMT, PEFR, and Modified BORG dyspnea scale, calculated ‘t’ values for independent ‘t’ test 3.901, 2.44, and 3.638 are greater than the ‘p’ value, and the value of PAI is 0.735 which is lesser than the ‘p’ value indicating there is significant improvement in functional exercise capacity and quality of life in mild to moderate COPD patients. Conclusion: Based on the paired and independent test results of the study, it is concluded that combination of NMES with usual pulmonary rehabilitation shows significant improvement in functional exercise capacity and quality of life in mild to moderate COPD patients.