Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Acupoint Application as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Fatigue Associated with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: September 5, 2025
Physical Function Indicators Associated with Reduced Work Productivity and Estimated Economic Loss in Employed
Takeshi Yamazaki1, Takumi Nagayama, Michiko Tsuchiya
1From the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Kyoto Tachibana University, Kyoto, Japan (T.Y., J.H.); Department of Rehabilitation, Rakuwakai Otowa Hospital, Kyoto, Japan (T.N.); Department of Respiratory Medicine, Rakuwakai Otowa Hospital, Kyoto, Japan (M.T.); Rakuwakai Kyoto Respiratory Center, Rakuwakai Otowa Hospital, Kyoto, Japan (Y.N.); Faculty of Rehabilitation, Department of Physical Therapy, Kobe International University, Hyogo, Japan (S.K.); Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Nara Gakuen University, Nara, Japan (K.A.); and Faculty of Rehabilitation, Major in Physical Therapy, Seijoh University, Aichi, Japan (K.I.).
Objective:
This cross-sectional study investigated physical factors associated with dyspnea-related work productivity loss among employed individuals with respiratory diseases, estimating annual economic loss.
Methods:
Fifty-one employed individuals undergoing respiratory rehabilitation at our Hospital (April 2023-August 2024) were enrolled. The Quantity and Quality method assessed work productivity. Physical function was evaluated through pulmonary tests, grip and knee extension strength, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulse rate, respiratory rate, six-minute walk distance (6MWD), recovery time, and Borg scale ratings.
Results:
Twenty-nine participants were analyzed. Reduced work productivity correlated with decreased forced expiratory volume in 1 second/forced vital capacity, decreased Nagasaki University Respiratory Activities of Daily Living scores, decreased 6MWD, and extended recovery time. Annual productivity loss averaged 42%. 6MWD independently predicted productivity loss, with less than or equal to 220 minutes strongly indicating risk.
Conclusion:
6MWD predicts dyspnea-related productivity loss; monitoring exercise tolerance may help maintain work productivity in respiratory disease.
Related Concept Videos
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract II: Inspection
Chest Configuration
The chest configuration can...
Acute Respiratory Failure-IV
Respiratory System Abnormal Finding I: Inspection and Percussion
Inspection Findings
During an inspection, several findings may suggest the presence of respiratory distress or disease. Pursed-lip breathing, where exhalation is slowed by...
Physical Assessment of the Respiratory Tract I: Health History
Subjective Data
Subjective data provides vital information about the patient's health history and symptoms. This data is typically collected through interviews in which patients describe their experiences, symptoms, and concerns.
Health history and key...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
