Ventilatory and nonventilatory muscle exercise in COPD rehabilitation.
For maximum benefit, a rehabilitation program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) should include both ventilatory and nonventilatory muscle exercise. The 12-week, outpatient program at Malden (Mass) Hospital incorporates whole-body exercise (walking), inspiratory resistive loading, and use of supplemental oxygen. Exercise prescription is based on the work level requiring a minute ventilation equal to 50% of each patient's maximum breathing capacity. A cardiopulmonary exercise test, 12-minute walk, and endurance test provide the before and after rehabilitation testing protocol. Such a program can be implemented at a community hospital where most patients with COPD have their greatest access to medical care.
D000553:Ambulatory Care; D006744:Hospital Bed Capacity, 100 to 299; D006748:Hospital Departments; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008404:Massachusetts; D005082:Physical Exertion; D012139:Respiratory Therapy Department, Hospital