Home based pulmonary Rehab Plus NPPV Improves QoL in COPD Patients, confirms study

269 patients with COPD of moderate to severe degree were included and divided into two groups: 132 patients received combined pulmonary rehabilitation and NPPV (CPRNG group), and 137 patients received conventional therapy (CTG group). Both groups were assessed with a range of standardized tools, including the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), modified Medical Research Council scale (mMRC), forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV₁%), 6-minute walk test, and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO₂). Patient-reported quality-of-life scores were also directed toward three domains: impact, symptoms, and activity.

Results

Early comparisons revealed no substantial differences between the groups regarding age, gender, duration of illness, or baseline symptoms, making a fair comparison possible. Following the intervention, the patients in the CPRNG group had statistically significant improvements in all primary outcomes than those in the CTG group:

• CAT score: Improved substantially in CPRNG group (p = 0.028)

• mMRC score: Improved symptom control (p = 0.015)

• FEV₁%: Increased improvement in lung function (p = 0.008)

• 6-min walk distance: Enhanced exercise tolerance (p = 0.001)

• PaO₂ levels: Increased oxygenation (p < 0.001)

Home pulmonary rehabilitation combined with non-invasive positive pressure ventilation greatly enhances lung function, physical performance, symptom control, and quality of life in patients with moderate to severe COPD. This combination is a useful strategy in the management of COPD, particularly in improving patient-centered outcomes like day-to-day activity and comfort.

Reference: