[Contribution of psychomotricity in respiratory rehabilitation programs]

Pulmonary rehabilitation traditionally benefits COPD patients through physical training, optimization of medical treatment, education and nutritional advice. In this paper we introduce psychomotricity which provides these with a more global approach to pulmonary rehabilitation. This approach takles postural tone, mobility, anxiety and self-confidence in order to improuve control of breathing and perception of breathlessness. Consequently handicap is reduced and its adverse effects are curbed. Psychomotricity, through corporeal techniques and relaxation, complements the other components of pulmonary rehabilitation. We report on our experience with ninety patients. All the assessments were carried out before and after the program. This study showed significant improvement in many outcomes including psychomotricity assessments, quality-of-life questionnaire scores and visual analogue scales. Psychomotricity, when incorporated into a multi-disciplinary rehabilitation program, appears to help patients regain self-confidence and use their capacities in a better way. This technique gives patients better control over their handicap and allows them to face the future with more dignity.