The Description of Lung Function in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients after Following Respiratory Muscles Training based on Assessment of Peak Expiratory Flow Rate and Chest

Abstract

: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of respiratory muscles training to peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) and chest expansion (CE) in COPD patients and to provide new information about the effect of a short training program (only 4 weeks) on respiratory function. It was 4-weeks experiment with pre and post design. Six stable COPD patients have enrolled to this study. Respiratory muscles training consisted of expiratory muscles training, inspiratory muscles training, and breathing excercise. In this study found that all levels of CE increased after respiratory muscles training. The average of upper CE increased from 2.3 cm to 5.3 cm (p 0.000), the average of middle CE increased from 4.5 cm to 6.2 cm (p 0.011), and the avarage of lower CE also increased from 4.2 cm to 6.5 cm (p 0.005). The average value of PEFR also increased from 267.7 L/min to 319.3 L/min (increased 19%, p 0.046). This study found a significant improvement on CE and PEFR value after following short respiratory muscles training (only 4 weeks). The training in this study can be an option for management of COPD to improve patient’s health outcomes.