Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation on Functional Mobility and Balance Among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients.

Effects of Blood Flow Restriction Rehabilitation on Functional Mobility and Balance Among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems. It is sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis. The damage results in swelling and irritation, also called inflammation, inside the airways that limit airflow into and out of the lungs. BFR Rehabilitation is effective in improving functional mobility and balance among COPD patients.

Objective: To find out the effects of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Rehabilitation on functional mobility and balance among COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) patients.

Methods: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study was conducted at Gulab Devi Hospital, Hameed Latif Hospital and Arif Memorial Teaching Hospital Lahore. Fifty patients of age 45-60 years with COPD were randomized into two groups. Allocation of patients in two equal groups by lottery method will be through random assignment. Group A was treated with controlled physical therapy while Group B was treated with BFR rehabilitation. Controlled treatment includes low intensity resistance exercises while BFR Rehabilitation includes use of a tourniquet with low intensity resistance exercises. All this information will be collected through a pulse oximeter. Berg Balance Scale will be used for balance and timed up and go test for functional mobility.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Subjects who are clinically stable before study
• Forced expiratory volume in 1s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC)<70% and FEV1 ≥30% but <80% respectively
• Subjects who will be willing to take part in this study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Upper abdominal surgery
• Lung cancer
• Open fracture
• Mental disorder
• Active malignancy
• Severe hypertension