Peak expiratory flow as a predictor for the effectiveness of sport for patients with COPD.
This study intended to find simple parameters that were able to determine the increase in physical performance as a result of sport in a group of patients with COPD (lung sport). We regularly investigated pulse, oxygenation and peak expiratory flow in participants with COPD of a "lung sport group", who participated in a structured weekly training program under professional supervision. Ten volunteers (7 females, 3 males, median of age = 69) with COPD (grade II-III) took part in the study. - The relative changes after 3 and 6 months were compared with the values of the first month of exercise. Measurements were carried out before exercise, after stamina training and at the end of the program. - Pulse and oxygenation did not show any changes. However, there was a significant improvement of peak flow after 6 months. - These peak flow changes represent further evidence of positive effects of sport in COPD and provide a parameter which allows the patients themselves to measure and evaluate the success of their physical activity.
Jungblut
S
S
Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elisabethen Hospital, Katharina Kasper Kliniken Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
Frickmann
H
H
Klingler
J
J
Zimmermann
B
B
Bargon
Joachim
J
D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D005540:Forced Expiratory Flow Rates / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010809:Physical Fitness / Q000502:physiology; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011674:Pulse; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013177:Sports / Q000502:physiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome