Effectiveness of upper limb endurance and resistance exercises on reducing dyspnoea and improving activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with COPD

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is preventable and treatable disease, presenting permanent airflow limitation accompanying an augmented chronic inflammatory response in the airway and the lungs to harmful elements or gases. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two most common conditions that contribute to COPD, individuals with COPD often experience difficulty with performing upper limb exercise due to dyspnoea and arm fatigue. Consequently, upper limb exercise training is habitually included in lung rehabilitation programmes to advance upper limb exercise tolerance; yet the effects of this exercise on dyspnoea and activities of daily living remain unclear. The aim of this analysis is to determine the effects of upper limb endurance and resistance exercises on reducing dyspnoea and improving activities of daily living (ADL) in patients with COPD. Methodology: This is an experimental study design and was conducted in a clinical set-up of Physiotherapy Department with a total number of 10 samples selected based on the Inclusion and Exclusion criteria. All the participants underwent endurance and resistance exercises to the upper limb for 20 Minutes session for 3 days per week for 4weeks. Pre- and post-treatment assessments were done using the outcome measures Modified Borg Scale and London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale.  Results: The findings of the study revealed improved clinical outcomes in the study group. Calculation of mean and median values and then performing a paired t test of within group between pre-test and post-test values, it shows highly significant difference with a p value of p < 0.001.  Conclusion: This study shows that there is a significant improvement in the COPD patients after the treatment implying that Upper Limb Endurance and Resistance Exercises were beneficial in improving ADL and reducing dyspnoea in COPD patients. Future research suggests recommendation of early COPD treatment in both genders.