Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on activities of daily living in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

A. W. Vaes*, J. M. L. Delbressine, R. Mesquita, Y. M. J. Goertz, D. J. A. Janssen, N. Nakken, F. M. E. Franssen, L. E. G. W. Vanfleteren, E. F. M. Wouters, M. A. Spruit

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

A high proportion of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience problems during the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). We aimed to determine the effects of a comprehensive 8-wk pulmonary rehabilitation program on the physiologic response to and performance of ADLs in patients with COPD. Before and after pulmonary rehabilitation, 31 patients with COPD [71% men; mean age: 64.2 (SD 8.4) years; mean forced expiratory volume in the first second: 54.6 (SD 19.9) % predicted] performed physical function tests, the Canadian Occupational Performance Measure (COPM), and an ADL test consisting of the following: putting on socks, shoes, and vest; stair climbing; washing up four dishes, cups, and saucers; doing groceries and putting away groceries in a cupboard; folding eight towels; and vacuum cleaning for 4 min. Metabolic load, ventilation, and dynamic hyperinflation were assessed using an Oxycon mobile device. In addition, symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue and time to complete ADLs were recorded. After rehabilitation, patients with COPD used a significantly lower proportion of their peak aerobic capacity and ventilation to perform ADLs, accompanied by lower Borg scores for dyspnea and fatigue. Furthermore, patients needed significantly less time to complete ADLs. Dynamic hyperinflation occurred during the performance of ADLs, which did not change following pulmonary rehabilitation. Changes in physical function, including six-min walk distance, constant work rate test, quadriceps muscle strength, and COPM were significantly correlated with change in average total oxygen uptake during the performance of the ADL test. A comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve the physiologic response to and actual performance of ADLs in patients with COPD.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY A high proportion of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) experience problems during the performance of activities of daily living (ADLs). This study clearly demonstrated that a comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve the performance of ADLs in patients with COPD, indicated by a significantly shorter time to perform ADLs and a lower metabolic load and dyspnea sensation.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)607-615
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Applied Physiology
Volume126
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2019

Keywords

  • activities of daily living
  • chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
  • dyspnea
  • rehabilitation
  • DYNAMIC HYPERINFLATION
  • INSPIRATORY CAPACITY
  • CARE DEPENDENCY
  • OXYCON MOBILE
  • COPD
  • EXERCISE
  • RELIABILITY
  • PERFORMANCE
  • VALIDITY

Cite this