Effect of Rehabilitation Protocol on Dyspnea and Fatigue for Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Abstract
Background: Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) is corner stone in management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). PR is an effective therapy in the integrated care of the patient with chronic respiratory disease. Exercise-based pulmonary rehabilitation has proven to reduce subjective dyspnea, fatigue, exacerbations and frequency for re-hospitalization. Aim of the study: evaluate the effect of rehabilitation protocol on reducing dyspnea and fatigue for Patients with COPD. Research Design: Quasi-experimental research design was utilized in the current study. Setting: The current study was carried out in Inpatient Chest Department and follow up in the Chest Outpatient Clinic at Cardiothoracic Hospital. Sample: A Purposive sample of (66) patients (male and female adult) were assigned in the current study, they classified in two equal groups (n= 33) for a control group and (n= 33) for study group. Tool: Three tools were utilized to collect to current study, First tool: Interview Questioner and Medical Data Sheet, Second tool: COPD Assessment Test (CAT) and Third tool: Respiratory Assessment Sheet. Results: There were highly statistically significant differences among both study and control group regarding Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale MMRC in 6th and 8th week observations. Conclusions: The study findings concluded that dyspnea and fatigue have negatively effect on patient with COPD. Short term pulmonary rehabilitation program has improved exercise capacity, pulmonary function in COPD patients. Recommendation: Increased patient understanding about COPD risk parameters. Booklet of comprehensive health education program for patients with COPD. Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation follow up, including regular contact to facilitate exercise participation and progression.