The Effect of Different Muscle Training on Activities of Daily Living in COPD

Comparison of the Effects of Quadriceps and Gastrocnemius Muscle Training on Activities of Daily Living in COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributes significantly to global morbidity and mortality; It is a disease that affects an estimated 210 million people worldwide and is the third most common cause of death. COPD is identified by persistent airflow limitation and is associated with progressively worsening lung function, dyspnea, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and impaired exercise capacity. Poor exercise capacity is a common finding of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Central cardiopulmonary factors, respiratory muscle dysfunction, gas exchange abnormalities, and skeletal muscle dysfunction all play a role in limiting exercise capacity The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of neuromuscular electrical stimulation applied to different muscle groups (quadriceps femoris and gastrocnemius muscles) on exercise performance and quality of life in patients with stable COPD and compare it with standard treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being between 18-75 years old,
• Diagnosed as group B stable COPD according to GOLD criteria by a pulmonologist,
• PaO2 >55 mm Hg, PaCO2 <45 mmHg in room air.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Exacerbation,
• Cor pulmonale or respiratory muscle fatigue (abdominal paradoxical breathing),
• Cardiac instability (with acute MI, congestive heart failure, or uncontrollable arrhythmia),
• Musculoskeletal disorder (conditions affecting exercise ability),
• Difficulty communicating.