[Results of an ambulatory respiratory rehabilitation program: observations in 100 COPD patients]. / Résultats d'un programme de réhabilitation respiratoire en mode ambulatoire chez 100 patients atteints de broncho-pneumopathie chronique obstructive.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Respiratory rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary approach enabling personalized management adapted for each patient's handicap. METHOD: Our ambulatory program includes twenty sessions per week (four half-days/week) for respiratory training at the ventilatory threshold, respiratory physical therapy, and health education. One hundred COPD patients participated in this retrospective study mean age 62.1 +/- 9.6 years; FEV1 1.51 +/- 0.66 (53 +/- 22% of theoretical). RESULTS: At the ventilatory threshold, there was a significant 9% gain in oxygen uptake and a 31% gain in power. At maximal exercise, there was a 6% improvement in oxygen uptake, 21% gain in power, and 7% gain in tidal volume (p<0.05). Walking distance improved 15% (+ 61 m). Quality of life was also improved significantly, with loss of 8 points on the Saint-George's Hospital respiratory questionnaire. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the beneficial effect of respiratory rehabilitation in terms of improved tolerance to exercise and improved quality of life for COPD patients.