The combined effects of pulmonary rehabilitation and bronchial dilation drugs on patients with advanced pulmonary disease

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation combined with the inhalation of Seretide and tiotropium bromide on pulmonary function and the quality of life of patients with advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).Methods Seventy-two patients with advanced COPD were randomly divided into a rehabilitation group (n =36) and a control group (n =36).The patients in both groups were administrated Seretide (a combination of fluticasone and salmeterol xinafoate) and tiotropium bromide by inhalation for 8 weeks.Meanwhile,the patients in the rehabilitation group received breathing and upper and lower limb muscle strength exercises.Pulmonary function was tested on admission,at the beginning of the training,and after training for 2,4 and 8 weeks.The COPD assessment test (CAT) was also used to evaluate the patients' quality of life.Results There was no significant improvement in the average CAT score of the control group at any time from baseline to 8 weeks.The average CAT scores in the rehabilitation group after training for 2,4 and 8 weeks were all significantly lower than that of the same group at baseline.The average FEV1％ Pre score of the control group at 4 weeks was significantly higher than at baseline.At 2 weeks,the average FEV1％ FVC and MVV scores of the rehabilitation group had improved significantly compared against the baseline averages of the same group.At 4 and 8 weeks,pulmonary function in the rehabilitation group had improved significantly.At 8 weeks,pulmonary function and the CAT scores in the rehabilitation group were significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusion There is an advantage in combining pulmonary rehabilitation and the inhalation of Seretide and tiotropium bromide for improving pulmonary function,clinical symptoms and the quality of life of patients with advanced COPD. Key words: Pulmonary rehabilitation; Obstructive pulmonary disease; Seretide; Tiotropium bromide