Investigation of the Effectiveness of Upper Limb Exercise in COPD Patients

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Upper Limb Exercise in COPD Patients

The aim of the study is to investigate the efficacy of upper limb exercise training in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. For the purpose of the study, a controlled trial will be conducted within Respiratory Clinic of Nicosia General Hospital. The sample will be divided in two groups. The intervention group will participate in a pulmonary rehabilitation program which includes upper and lower extremities exercises, with addition of arm ergometer. The second group (control group) will participate in the same program but without arm ergometer training.

The study's hypothesis is that the intervention group will improve the outcome measures significantly better than the control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of COPD confirmed by clinical examination and a pulmonary function test
• Stable clinical condition (without recent respiratory system infections or any exacerbation of the disease)
• Patients must be willing to re evaluate at the end of the study
• Patients must be willing to give written consent for their participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Age < 18 years old
• Unstable cardiac disease
• Musculoskeletal and neurological diseases that could affect exercise performance or preclude exercise
• Patients of COPD final stage or other serious disease final stage
• Significant cognitive or psychiatric impairment that would lead to an inability to follow simple commands in a group setting