[Physical therapy intervention during hospitalization in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and pneumonia: A randomized clinical trial]

Abstract

Background and objective: Respiratory infections involve not only hospitalization due to pneumonia, but also acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a physical therapy intervention during hospitalization in patients admitted due to community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and AECOPD.

Material and method: Randomized clinical trial, 44 patients were randomized into 2 groups: a control group which received standard medical therapy (oxygen therapy and pharmacotherapy) and an experimental group that received standard treatment and a physical therapy intervention (breathing exercises, electrostimulation, exercises with elastic bands and relaxation).

Results: Between-groups analysis showed that after the intervention (experimental vs. control) significant differences were found in perceived dyspnoea (P=.041), and right and left quadriceps muscle strength (P=.008 and P=.010, respectively). In addition, the subscale of "domestic activities" of the functional ability related to respiratory symptoms questionnaire showed significant differences (P=.036).

Conclusion: A physical therapy intervention during hospitalization in patients with AECOPD and CAP can generate skeletal muscle level gains that exceed the deterioration caused by immobilization during hospitalization.

Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Enfermedad pulmonar obstructiva crónica; Hospitalización; Hospitalization; Modalidades de fisioterapia; Neumonía; Physical therapy modalities; Pneumonia.