Physiotherapy in patients with chronic respiratory failure in clinical stage

AIM: To evaluate the effect of physiotherapeutic (PT) methodology including inspiratory training device on functional status in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic respiratory failure (CRF) in clinical stage. METHODS: 20 patients with exacerbation of COPD in clinical stage divided into experimental group (EG) and control (CG) were examined. One week in-hospital physical therapy sessions were conducted. All patients were applied the same PT methodology, but in the EG in addition was included individual inspiratory training device without resistance of inhaled air. For the purpose of the study are double-tracked and evaluated the following tests and measures: breathing rate at rest, saturation and two apneic tests. RESULTS: After completion of the PT sessions there is an increase in saturation, in the strength of intercostal muscles and diaphragm according the tests for inspiratory and expiratory apnea and decrease in the respiratory rate at rest in both groups, but in the EG the results were better in mean values. CONCLUSIONS: The use of inspiratory training device without resistance in patients with COPD and CRF in a period of exacerbation in clinical stage leads to significant positive effect on studied parameters. KEY WORDS: COPD; inspiratory training device; physiotherap