Effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Diaphragmatic Stimulation on Respiratory Variables in COPD Patients

Fundamentation of TEDS Protocol in Healthy Subjects and Its Application in COPD Patients

Transcutaneous electrical diaphragmatic stimulation (TEDS) has been used to improve respiratory muscle strength in patients with respiratory muscles weakness. However, this physiotherapeutic resource has not been studied in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) yet. The objective of this study is to evaluate the respiratory pattern during the session of TEDS besides its effect in respiratory muscle strength and in spirometric variables as much healthy patients as in COPD patients. Methods: healthy and COPD patients are selected and submitted to TEDS treatment. The plethysmographic analysis (LifeShirt System - VivoMetric), respiratory muscle strength and spirometry will be made. The hypothesis is that the TEDS can helps COPD patients that shows respiratory muscle weakness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with stable COPD (diagnosed by accepted criteria)
• Healthy patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• FOR THE COPD PATIENTS:
• Over 80 years of age
• History of recent exacerbation
• Patients with pacemakers
• Uncontrolled arterial hypertension
• Requiring home oxygen therapy.
• FOR THE HEALTHY PATIENTS:
• Pulmonary diseases
• Cardiovascular diseases
• Orthopedic diseases
• Neurologic diseases.