Effects of comprehensive rehabilitation on stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients in rural communities

Objective To explore the effects of comprehensive rehabilitation on patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in rural communities. Methods Between June 2010 and June 2012, 212 stable COPD patients were randomly divided into management group (n=107) and control group (n=105). All patients received conventional treatment. In addition, 107 stable COPD patients relying on new rural cooperative medical service station in management group underwent community comprehensive rehabilitation including training in respiratory function, exercise training, nutrition intervention and psychological care. Effect of lung function, symptoms (times of acute attack & hospitalization) and quality-of-life (QOL) rated by SF-36 questionnaire between two groups were recorded at Month 6. Results The score changes of QOL had significant inter-group differences between 2 groups for PCS (scores for physical component summary) and MCS (scores for mental component summary) (11.4±8.2 vs.1.6±1.2, 5.5±3.5 vs.2.2±0.9, all P<0.01). In the scores for physical component summary, the score change of physical function, physiological function, body pain and general health were significantly different between two groups (6.7±4.3 vs.1.2±0.8, 10.9±6.3 vs.1.9±1.5, 6.4±4.7 vs. 3.6±2.7, 3.2±2.7 vs.1.6±1.1, P<0.01). In the scores for mental component summary, the score change of vitality, emotional function, social function and mental health were significantly different between two groups (4.9±3.2 vs.1.9±1.4, 2.7±2.1 vs.1.6±1.1, 11.6±9.2 vs.3.6±2.3, 6.7±4.3 vs.1.4±0.9, P<0.01). The times of acute attack and hospitalization were obviously lower than those of the control group. No significant inter-group difference existed in lung function. Conclusion Comprehensive rehabilitation may improve the QOL in stable COPD patients in rural communities and reduce their times of acute attack. Key words: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Intervention studies; Treatment outcome