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Research: CAMBACH and colleagues, D
Listed in Issue 23
Abstract
CAMBACH and colleagues, Dept of Physiotherapy, VU Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands conducted a multicentre randomised controlled study to compare the differences in efficacy between a 3-month rehabilitation programme including drug treatment and a 3-month control period of drug treatment only, for patients with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Background
Methodology
The programme, conducted by physiotherapists in 8 local practices, included exercise training, patient education, breathing retraining, mucus evacuation, relaxation techniques and recreational activities . The randomised controlled trial had a cross-over design. The effects of rehabilitation were evaluated 3 and 6 months following baseline measurements regarding exercise tolerance and quality of life (QOL). Exercise tolerance was assessed using submaximal cycle ergometer tests and a 6 minute walking test. QOL was evaluated using the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ).
Results
After 3 months, compared to the control group, patients in the rehabilitation programme showed significant improvements in endurance time (421 s) and cardiac frequency (6 beats/min) during cycling, walking distance (39m), and total CRDQ score (17 points). These improvements were still significant after 6 months. The patients with asthma and COPD responded to rehabilitation in a similar way, except that there was a greater improvement in walking distance for patients with asthma. Exercise tolerance improvements were not significantly correlated with QOL improvements. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, rehabilitation in local physiotherapy practices improves exercise tolerance and quality of life.
Conclusion
References
Cambach W et al. The effects of a community-based pulmonary rehabilitation programme on exercise tolerance and quality of life: a randomized controlled trial. Eur Respir J 10(1): 104-13. Jan 1997.
