NEUROMUSCULAR ELECTRICAL STIMULATION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE – PILOT STUDY

Objective: The aim of the current research is to evaluate the benefits of electrical stimulation of quadriceps for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Methods: Ten COPD patients were willing to get enrolled in the study and after baseline screening procedure received neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) with exercises for the bilateral lower limb. NMES is cost-effective and best be available to the population with COPD at the bedside. Results: There exist a significant increase in five sit to stand test (p<0.01), 6-min walk test (p<0.05), and clinical COPD questionnaire (p<0.05), followed by the application of NMES. Conclusion: NMES has no impact and stress over the respiratory system and it is a gold standard exercise training modality in improving quality of life and satisfaction for people with COPD in rural locations where access to hospitalization is limited