The Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Older Patients With Asthma

The Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation to Muscle Strength, Functional Capacity and Quality of Life in Older Patients With Asthma: Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of the randomized controlled study is to investigate the effects of NMES superimposed on voluntary contraction combined with patient education and exercise training program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

When initial assessments will be completed, patients will be assigned to one of two possible sequences by simple randomization: Superimposed NMES group (SG) or control group (CG).

All volunteers will receive an COPD patient education program for once and conventional physiotherapy exercise program for COPD with the duration of 8 weeks. Additionally, superimposed NMES will be applied on quadriceps muscle of both limbs at the same time with voluntarily contraction of quadriceps muscle in SG.

All patients will be assessed in terms of functional capacity, pulmonary functions, quadriceps muscle endurance and strength, dyspnea, respiratory muscle strength and quality of life at the baseline and at the end of study. Data will be collected from all the patients at baseline and at the end of study (8 weeks) by the same physiotherapist who also will supervise the exercise sessions.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Having stable asthma
2. Participating to the study in a voluntary basis
3. Being 65 - 75 years old
4. Having 2 point or over score from "Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC)" Dyspnea Scale
5. Being motivated to participate and follow exercise program

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Having an asthma exacerbation in a last month
2. Other respiratory problems
3. Ischemic heart disease
4. Congestive heart disease
5. Pacemaker
6. Acute Cor Pulmonale
7. Neurological Diseases
8. Osteoporosis
9. Smoking