Complex physical rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease at a polyclinic stage of treatment

Introduction The study was to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive physical rehabilitation program based on the dynamics of the functional parameters of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, and the tolerance of daily stress in middle-aged patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The incidence of COPD continues to grow, and life expectancy of the patients is shortened by an average of 8 years. Globally, losses from COPD are projected to increase over the coming decades owing to the long-term exposure to risk factors and population aging. A significant role in improving COPD patients condition and preventing the disease is played by physical rehabilitation. Methods Analysis of modern scientific literature, content analysis of outpatient documentation, conclusions of X-ray examinations, anthropometric measurements, pulse oximetry, arterial tonometry, spirographic studies, 6-minute walk distance, methods of mathematical statistics. Results A comprehensive physical rehabilitation program was developed for use in a polyclinic, which included a common set of physical exercises combined with breathing gymnastics with elements of superficial breathing, sound gymnastics, therapeutic massage, nebulizer therapy, Nordic walking. After the program application, chest excursion increased and airway patency statistically significantly improved. The exercise tolerance of the cardiovascular system increased. Conclusions The physical rehabilitation program for middle-aged COPD patients contributed to the economization of the respiratory system, slowing down the recovery of cardiovascular parameters, and improving the tolerance of daily exercise, which was confirmed by mathematical processing.