Impact of Pre-Rehabilitation and Post-Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): A Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/erw72z37Keywords:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Functional Capacity, Quality of Life.Abstract
Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) leads to progressive functional decline and reduced quality
of life. Despite the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), its effects often diminish over time due to poor adherence and
lack of continuity. This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of structured pre-rehabilitation and post-rehabilitation
strategies integrated with standard PR in COPD patients.
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC), Karachi, from
January 2024 to March 2025. A total of 40 clinically stable COPD patients were randomly assigned to an intervention group
(n=20) and a control group (n=20). The intervention group underwent a 3-week structured pre-rehabilitation phase, an
8-week PR program, and a 12-month supervised post-rehabilitation program. The control group received only the standard
8-week PR. The primary outcome was six-minute walk distance (6MWD); secondary outcomes included Duke Activity
Status Index (DASI), Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ), COPD Self-Efficacy Scale (CSES), and 30-second
Chair Stand Test (CST).
Conclusion: Patients receiving combined pre- and post-rehabilitation interventions showed significant improvements in
functional capacity, quality of life, and reduced exacerbations compared to standard PR alone. These findings suggest a
comprehensive rehabilitation approach provides sustained clinical benefits in COPD management
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