Evaluation of aerobic exercise program during hospitalization in quality of life and in exercise capacity after one month of discharge in exacerbated COPD patients

Introduction: Acute exacerbation causes deterioration in quality of life, pulmonary and muscle functions and survival of COPD patients. Exercise taken during an acute exacerbation can improve quality of life and physical ability. Objective: Pilot study to evaluate the associations of aerobic exercise program on length of stay, quality of life and exercise capacity after one month of discharge. Methods: 11 patients (81.8% female, FEV 1 :42.4±18.3% and age:67±9.4years) hospitalized for COPD exacerbation were randomized in two groups, the control group and the intervention group who performed aerobic exercise during hospitalization. All patients were evaluated for physical capacity determined by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life estimated by the Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Aerobic exercise program was performed diary with mean velocity 1,1±1,0 Km/h and inclination 0,5± 1,3º, twice a day with a treadmill during 15 minutes. Results:- 48h after hospitalization 1 month after discharge Intervention Group N=5 Control Group N=6 P Value Intervention Group N=5 Control Group N=6 P Value Symptoms,% 82,1± 13,7 62,6±21,18 0,001 57,4±18,5 58,9±22,5 0,001 Activity,% 69,1±24,4 66,1±21,6 0,003 46,8±20,8 57,2±27,5 0,007 6MWT, m 148±98,5 180±125,2 0,028 290±100 239±143 0,020 We identified statistical difference in length of stay between intervention group and control group (6,8± 3,0 vs 8,1± 4,4 days, p=0,007). Conclusion: This study showed that patients who underwent an aerobic exercise during hospitalization had better quality of life and exercise capacity after one month of discharge.