Functional evaluation of a physical rehabilitation program including breathing exercises and bicycle training in chronic obstructive lung disease.
20 patients suffering from chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) were submitted to a 6-month rehabilitation program including breathing exercises only (A) or coupled with bicycle training (B). Functional results obtained at rest were the following: for A: nonsignificant changes in FRC, RV, FEV1, Raw, Pa O2, pH, Pp, VO2 max SL but significant changes (p less than 0.05)for TLC (+ 214 cm3), VC (+ 171 cm3), DL CO (+ 1.79 ml), Pa CO2 (-2.9 mm Hg). For B: similar changes as for A with additional significant changes in PaO2 (+ 7.4 mm Hg) VO2 max SL (+ 250 ml) and Pp (-4 mm Hg). These results, although minimal, are attributed to improved respiratory muscle strength and improved alveolar ventilation. Exercise training adds an increased ability to sustain higher loads.
D001945:Breathing Exercises; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008176:Lung Volume Measurements; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D005082:Physical Exertion; D013997:Time Factors