Jie Li, Xu Fan, Yafei Liu, Yu Guo, Qiang Dong*
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, No.215 Hoapital of Shaanxi Nuclear Industry, Xianyang, Shaanxi 712000, China
- Corresponding Author:Qiang Dong; E-mail: dongqiang_edu@hotmail.com
Abstract
Background
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder with high global prevalence, yet current therapeutic strategies often fail to fully restore lung function or improve quality of life.
Aim
This study aimed to explore the effects of external diaphragm pacing (EDP) combined with breathing training in improving pulmonary function and quality of life for COPD patients.
Methods
From January 2021 to January 2023, a total of 97 COPD patients admitted to our hospital were selected and randomly divided into the control group (n=48) and the observation group (n=49). The control group received breathing training. The observation group received EDP after 30 minutes of breathing training. The clinical efficacy, lung function, arterial blood gas, oxidative stress, adverse effects that occurred during the treatment process and quality of life between the two both were compared.
Results
Compared with the control group, the observation group had higher total effective rate, higher forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), higher forced vital capacity (FVC), higher FEV1/FVC ratio, lower partial pressure of carbon dioxide in artery (PaCO2), higher partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), lower malonaldehyde (MDA), higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), higher glutathione (GSH) and higher chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) scores.
Conclusion
The combination of EPD and breathing training has a better effect on improving lung function and quality of life in patients with COPD, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for COPD.
Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, external diaphragm pacing, breathing training, pulmonary function