Authors (including presenting author) :
Wong YL(1), Lam HT(1), Dr Leo Ho(1)
Affiliation :
(1)Physiotherapy Department, KWH
Keyword 1: :
Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Keyword 2: :
Physiotherapy
Introduction :
COPD was one of the leading causes of death in HK. It imposed a significant medical burden. In 2016, >30,000 episodes of inpatient discharge and death were attributed to COPD. The ATS and ERS endorse multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation program as evidence-based, comprehensive interventions that reduce symptoms, optimize functional status, and lower healthcare costs by decreasing frequent hospital admissions.
Objectives :
To evaluate the effectiveness of a modified PRP for COPD patients at KWH
Methodology :
The PRP was an integrated service provided by physiotherapy department and nurse clinic (COPD), service review period was from November 2024 to October 2025. Patients with mild-to-moderate COPD who were ambulatory were selected from the respiratory clinic. Patients with unstable medical conditions were excluded. The PRP consisted of six weekly sessions, including assessment, education talks, home management, endurance training and strengthening training exercises with theraband. A self-evaluation questionnaire was given upon completion.
Result & Outcome :
Twenty-three patients completed the program, 18 males and 5 females, ranging from 56-94 years (mean age: 75.83 ± 10.23years). Physical outcomes comprised of COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), Rating of Perceived Dyspnea (RPD), Six-minutes Walk Test (6MWT), treadmill walking exercises speed and duration. Paired sample t-tests showed significant improvements in treadmill walking speed (0.94 to 1.34 m/s, p=0.004), walking duration (12.57 to 18.2 minutes, p=0.018), and post-exercise RPD (3.3 to 2.1, p=0.004). No obvious improvement observed in total distance of 6MWT, CAT, mMRC scores. For the self-evaluation questionaire, all patients felt satisfied with meanscore of 9.38 which indicating high level of satisfaction (1 was very unsatisfied while 10 was very satisfied). Perceived helpfulness of the program was rated on the same scale, the mean score was 7.43. All patients reported increased interest in exercise and greater confidence in maintaining self-exercise habits. This study demonstrated that endurance exercise training is effective on improving physical capacity of COPD patients. Patients walked faster, longer walking duration and less dyspnea after exercise, which are coherent with the contemporary literature. Lack of improvement in CAT, mMRC and 6MWT may be attributed to small sample size and or inadequate sessions which potentially reduce statistical power and detection of subtle changes. In conclusion, positive effects of PRP improve physical capacity of COPD patients, promote interest in regular exercise, build confidence in self-exercise, and enhance disease self-management.
