Repercussion of different physical therapy interventions on the perceived health status of AECOPD patients

Introduction: Perceived health status is being recognized as an important outcome measure when evaluating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objectives: To evaluate the repercussion of different physical therapy interventions on the perceived health status of COPD patients during hospitalization due to acute exacerbation (AE). Methods: Randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups. Control group received standard medical treatment. Intervention groups (IG) 1 and 2 received additionally a physical therapy program. IG 1 performed daily controlled breathing exercises and active range of motion exercises and IG 2 daily resistance lower limbs exercises. Perceived health status as main outcome was assessed at baseline and at discharge using the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D) questionnaire. Clinical profile was also evaluated. Results: 90 patients were included. No significant differences were observed between groups at admission. IG 1 and 2 showed significant between groups differences in EQ-5D index and VAS at discharge when compared to the control group. No significant differences were observed between IG 1 and 2. Conclusions: Physical therapy added to standard treatment in patients hospitalized due to AECOPD achieves a higher improvement than standard medical treatment alone.