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Updated: May 10, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Therapeutic paralysis in veterans with COPD
Aaron M Mulhall1, Laura A Lach, Sara M Krzywkowski-Mohn
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) significantly impacts Veterans
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Health Services Research
- Veteran Health
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a prevalent condition among Veterans, contributing to significant illness and death.
- Understanding Veterans' perspectives on COPD, its impact on their lives and health, and their needs is crucial for improving care.
- A postal survey was conducted to gather this essential information.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess Veterans' perceptions of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
- To evaluate the impact of COPD on Veterans' daily lives and overall health.
- To identify specific needs for enhanced health management and support for Veterans with COPD.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was administered to 3263 Veterans diagnosed with COPD.
- Participants received care at the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center in 2008.
- Veterans were stratified into quintiles based on healthcare costs associated with COPD and sampled uniformly.
Main Results:
- A 49% response rate (493 of 1000 surveys) was achieved.
- Significant differences in COPD's impact were observed between high-cost and low-cost patient groups, affecting knowledge, daily activities (work, recreation), living arrangements, and need for assistance.
- Veterans reported substantial emotional distress, including depression, fear, and helplessness, due to respiratory symptoms. Many used inhalers but faced difficulties, and a quarter did not manage exacerbation symptoms proactively.
Conclusions:
- COPD significantly affects Veterans' respiratory-related activities and emotional well-being.
- Primary care providers play a vital role in educating patients about COPD diagnosis and management.
- Veterans exhibit poor medication adherence and report insufficient instruction regarding COPD and its treatment.
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