Abstract
Positive effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are well known, and inpatient rehabilitation programs are the preferred modality in Germany. In this paper, we report on the recent results of a daily outpatient rehabilitation program offered at an acute hospital, the first of this kind in Germany. It is not known whether this kind of rehabilitation is an effective approach. 32 consecutive COPD patients GOLD-stage II-IV, phenotype B-D (mean 64.5±21.9 years; 18 male, 14 female) completed a rehabilitation program of 19 (15-21) days conducted according to the recommendations of the National Accociation for Rehabilitation. In this prospective observational study, data (walking distance in the 6-MWD, BODE-Index, HADS-, BDI/TDI-, CAT-questionnaire) were collected at the beginning (T1) and at the end (T2) of the program and the results are presented in a pre- vs. post-analysis. We found significant positive effects for most of the measured parameters, except for body plethysmography, diffusion capacity and blood gas. Especially the increase in the 6 min walking distance (6-MWD) was remarkable (T1: 485.78±158.24, T2: 527.97±146.75 m, p=0.0212). There were no adverse events or complications. All participants were able to complete the program properly. Most of the measured parameters in COPD patients with stage II or worse disease improved significantly during the comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program. A limitation of this study is the small number of cases, and further conclusions can only be made after examining a larger sample. The setting of this rehabilitation program in an acute hospital seems to be meaningful in an organisational and structural sense.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.