A randomized trial comparing 2 types of in-home rehabilitation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:  a pilot study.
BACKGROUND
Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to be effective for improving quality of life and function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) but has not been studied extensively in homebound patients. Furthermore, little is known about the effectiveness of specific types of home-based interventions.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of in-home rehabilitation programs for individuals with COPD considered homebound according to Medicare definition and to compare outcomes of 2 different rehabilitation interventions.


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to 2 home-based interventions including aerobic conditioning (group A) or functional strength training (group B), which were conducted over 8 weeks. In addition, all patients received COPD self-management education. Outcome measures were collected after completion of the intervention and after 16 weeks and included the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ), Geriatric Depression Scale, and 2-minute walk test.


RESULTS
Of 41 patients enrolled, 24 completed the 8-week intervention. On average, all CRQ quality-of-life domains improved in both groups, with the largest improvements in the CRQ-dyspnea domain. Overall, at 16 weeks, 80% of group A and 71% of group B patients had clinically significant improvements in the CRQ-dyspnea domain. Furthermore, depression scores improved in both groups. Only group A had a clinically significant improvement in walking distance.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this pilot study suggest that both forms of home-based rehabilitation may improve disease-specific quality of life in homebound patients with COPD.
Paradigm Rehab and Nursing, Tyler, Texas 75701, USA. mcfarlandc@paradigmrehab.com
Carol
C
McFarland
Dan
D
Willson
John
J
Sloan
David
D
Coultas
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D006278:Medicare; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012648:Self Care; D014481:United States