Efficacy of exercise treatments for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A systematic review


Author: Zhenggang Zhu1, Ayu Suzailiana Muhamad1, Norsuhana Omar2, Foong Kiew Ooi1, Xiaoyan Pan3, Marilyn Li Yin Ong4

Affiliation: <sup>1</sup> Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

<sup>2</sup> Department of Physiology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia.

<sup>3</sup> School of Nursing, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China.

<sup>4</sup> Exercise and Sports Science Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. Electronic address: marilynong@usm.my.
Conference/Journal: J Bodyw Mov Ther
Date published: 2024 Apr 1
Other:
 Volume ID: 38   ,  Pages: 106-127   ,  Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.019.   ,  Word Count: 203  
    Objective:

To review the efficacy of exercise treatments on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).



Data sources:

PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, Ebscohost, SPORTDiscus, ProQuest, Web of Science.



Review methods:

A systematic review was performed to identify the relevant studies published from 2011 to 2023. Studies were selected using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A total of 5170 articles were retrieved and assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. The risk of bias in individual studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool.



Results:

A total of 38 eligible studies were included. Eight studies evaluated the effects of Tai Chi, followed by Liuzijue (five studies) and yoga (three studies). The duration of the exercise programmes ranged from 8 weeks to 3 years, and the frequency was between 2 and 7 times a week. Exercise sessions lasted between 20 and 90 min. Low-intensity exercise improved lung function after six months. Whole-body exercise improved dyspnea more than local exercise. Water-based exercise improved physical endurance more than land exercise, and quality of life was unaffected by long-term exercise.



Conclusion:

This systematic review highlights the benefit of exercise treatments as a potential adjunct treatment for COPD patients.



Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Efficacy; Exercise treatments; Rehabilitation.



PMID: 38763549 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2024.01.019