Effects of Occupational Therapy in COPD

Effects on Functionality of Occupational Therapy Added to Physiotherapy in Severe COPD Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a chronic condition involving an impairment in functionality and in the execution of activities of daily life. The hypothesis of this study is that an occupational therapy intervention added to a physiotherapy program and a medical treatment increase the functionality and the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The evolution of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be aggravated in some periods by an increase of the symptoms (above all, the cough, the dyspnea and the quantity of sputum purulence). This is known as exacerbation, and it is the most frequent reason for hospital stay, urgences services and death in this condition. A physiotherapy program and an occupational therapy intervention are carrying out in patients attending to the Hospital because of an exacerbation.. Participants will be assessed at baseline and again at the end of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with exacerbation.
• No contraindication of physiotherapy.
• Signed written consent.
• Medical approval for inclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

• Heart disease.
• Neurological patients.
• Contraindications of physiotherapy.
• Nursing home residents.
• Cognitive impairments.