Short Review on Effectiveness of Upper Limb Exercises and Breathing Exercises in COPD Stable Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic Era

Abstract

One of the most common problems found in Chronic Pulmonary Obstructive Disease (COPD) patients is decreased tolerance to physical exercises, which increases the mortality rate and the frequency of hospitalization due to the weakening of respiratory function. This condition also leads to weak periphery and respiratory muscles. Pulmonary rehabilitation is the foundational treatment for COPD patients that can improve their training capacity, health-related quality of life and reduce the use of health-care facilities. In compliance with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2022 nonpharmacological initiative for COPD, patients are recommended to do physical activities within their capabilities, while observing physical distancing as a protective measure during the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. Pulmonary telerehabilitation presents a feasible solution to overcome the obstacles faced by the healthcare industry to provide in-house rehabilitation programme at hospitals or other health centres. Therefore, it is our objective to study and evaluate the benefits and effectiveness of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPR).