Рhysiotherapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Physiotherapy is an essential for treatment of patients with chronic respiratory non-inflammatory diseases especially for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Aim: To assess the effect of six months physiotherapy (PT) program on functional status in patients with COPD. Маterial and methods: The patients were divided in two groups according the severity of the disease. Group A included 33 patients (mean age 68.6±7.3; GOLD II – III stages). Group B included 32 patients (mean age 71.7±6.9; GOLD I –II). They were referred for supervised PT program performed three times weekly for a half an year. All the patients were on standard medical care. At entry and after PT, six minutes walking test (6 MWT), Borg scale and modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale were assessed. Results: Significant changes in 6 MWT (р<0.001) and mMRC scale (р<0.001) were found after applied physical therapy program in patients of group A. Exertional dyspnoea decreased significantly in patients of group A (р<0.001). Positive changes were found in physical tolerance in the patients of group B (р