Authors: (including presenting author): :
LAW PLB(1), CHING HW(1), YIP CY(1), TSE WT(1), CHOW SLE(2), TSE PM(2), KWAN WS(1), FAN KY(1), MAK MY(1)
Affiliation: :
(1)Department of Physiotherapy, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong (2)Tuen Mun Rehabilitation Centre & Department of Medicine and Geriatric, Tuen Mun Hospital, New Territories West Cluster, Hospital Authority, Hong Kong
Keyword 1: :
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Keyword 2: :
Pulmonary Rehabilitation
Introduction: :
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent disease which is 9th leading cause of death in Hong Kong from 2001 to 2024. Pulmonary rehabilitation is shown to improve functional capacity, symptoms burden and quality of life of the patients. Current guidelines suggested initiating pulmonary rehabilitation as early as 3 weeks after exacerbation.
Objectives: :
To evaluate the effects of early pulmonary rehabilitation on functional capacity and impact of symptoms on patients after acute exacerbation of COPD.
Methodology: :
Patients discharged from acute exacerbation of COPD were recruited for pulmonary rehabilitation from August 2024 to September 2025. The day rehabilitation program was consisted of: (1) an individualized exercise program with aerobic, resistance training supervised by physiotherapists; (2) bronchial hygiene and dyspnoea management; (3) education for home exercise and self-management. Baseline characteristics were collected. Physical function before and after the program was assessed with 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Impact of disease on patient’s life was assessed with the COPD Assessment Test (CAT).
Result & Outcome: :
A total of 33 patients [aged 69.7±11.0 years (mean±SD), 87.9% male, weight 53.4±8.8kg, BMI 20.2±3.6] were recruited. The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) Stages by Lung Function (FEV1) of the subjects was ranged from 2 to 4. The mMRC (modified Medical Research Council) scale subjects was ranged from 2 to 4. 24 of them (72.7%) initiated pulmonary rehabilitation within 3 weeks. 4 of them (12.1%) dropped out from the program. The duration of training was 6 ± 3 sessions. After the program, patients showed significant improvements in functional capacity with 6MWT from 174.4 ± 99.7m to 250.3 ± 108.3m, p< 0.001; exercise training intensity from 1.87 ± 0.60 MET to 3.68 ± 4.51 MET, p< 0.001; and exercise tolerance 19.7 ± 10.4 min to 35.4 ± 11.3 min, p< 0.001. There is no statistically significant difference in CAT scores (20±7 to 19±5 p=0.563). The preliminary results supported that early pulmonary rehabilitation after exacerbation could be effective to improve functional capacity and endurance. There was no significant impact on pulmonary symptoms.
