[Effectiveness of respiratory kinesiotherapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), the disease in which reduced airflow through airways is observed, usually of progressive nature and not completely reversible, is mainly caused by smoking. It is the forth cause of death worldwide which leads to death of nearly 3 millions persons per year. Obturation of bronchial tree as well as pulmonary parenchyma lesion caused by chronic inflammation process results in considerable limitation of patients' functional capacity and worsening of their physical activity. The objective of the present study was to assess the influence of 6-month cycle of kinesiotherapy on condition of patients with moderate and severe form of COPD. It was hypothesized that effective breathing would improve lungs ventilation, mechanics of breathing and patients' quality of life.

The study group consisted of 25 patients (7 women, 18 men; at the mean age of 64 years) from the Department of Pneumonology of Central Hospital of Medical University of Silesia in Katowice. The tests were carried out before and after the 6-month treatment cycle. The following variables were measured: parameters of spirometry, respiratory drive of occlusion pressure (P0.1), peak expiratory flow (PEF). Additionally, before and after the 6-month treatment cycle the perceived breathlessness was-assessed (Medical Research Council-MRC scale), as well as quality of life (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire).

The perceived breathlessness reduced after the treatment cycle of breathing exercises which resulted in improved quality of life. Peak expiratory flow values measured by peak flow meters increased as well. However, there were no considerable changes in indices of respiration or in mechanics of breathing noted.