Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long-term respiratory disorder characterized by persistent airflow limitation due to structural changes in the airways and lung parenchyma, leading to progressive symptoms and functional impairment. This study aimed to evaluate the association of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) with health-related quality of life (QoL), symptom burden, and functional status among patients with COPD. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted among patients with COPD attending the outpatient department of Government Medical College, Datia. Participants receiving PR as part of routine clinical management and providing informed consent were enrolled and followed prospectively. Diagnosis was confirmed through clinical evaluation and spirometry, and patients were classified according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2023 categories (A, B, and E). Baseline assessments included the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) for COPD patients, the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), and pulmonary function tests. Patients participated in an eight-week supervised PR program conducted twice weekly, followed by continuation of home-based exercises for at least five days per week. Follow-up assessments were performed six months after enrollment. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software, version 26 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Results: A total of 107 participants were included, with a mean age of 62.5 ± 6.2 years. Most were male participants (82, 76.6%). GOLD Category E accounted for 69 (64.5%) participants and Category B for 38 (35.5%). Moderate airflow limitation (GOLD Grade 2) was present in 76 (71.0%) participants. At six-month follow-up, significant improvements were observed in QoL measures, including the SGRQ total score (p < 0.001) and all SGRQ domains (p < 0.001). CAT scores decreased significantly (p < 0.001). No statistically significant change was observed in forced expiratory volume in one second (% predicted) (p = 0.067). Conclusion: Participation in PR was associated with significant improvements in QoL, symptom burden, and functional status among patients with COPD, despite no significant changes in spirometric parameters. These findings support the integration of PR into comprehensive COPD care. Further multicentric studies with control groups and longer follow-up are needed to evaluate long-term effectiveness and identify optimal rehabilitation strategies.
Goad et al. (Thu,) studied this question.
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