Dyspnea Neuroscience Education on Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Dyspnea Neuroscience Education on Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The principal aim of this study was to adapt pain neuroscience education to dyspnea, Dyspnea Neuroscience Education (DNE), and measure its effect on dyspnea perception, physica l activity level, disability, quality of life and ventilatory and functional capacity through a randomized controlled trial. The secondary objectives were to evaluate its feasibility and its effect on emotional state (anxiety and depression), medical atten dance, number of exacerbations and the willingness to exercise.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnostic of COPD by a physician or pneumologist
• Stage 1, 2 or 3 on the GOLD Classification
• GOLD Stage and FEV1 assessed by a physician in the last three months
• Access to a computer and internet

Exclusion Criteria:

• Cognitive impairment (MoCA-S score < 21)
• Depression disorder (PHQ-9 score ≥11)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7 score ≥10)
• Instable comorbidities preventing physical activities
• Had a surgery in the past three months
• Had an exacerbation in the past three months
• Currently quitting tobacco
• Use of oxygenation