The Effects of Self-Management Program on Exercise Tolerance and Dyspnea in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive process leading to major clinical problems in patients. There is no highly effective treatment for these patients and therapists only try to relieve the symptoms. Objectives: The present study was performed to investigate the effects of self-management program on exercise tolerance and dyspnea in patients with COPD. Patients and Methods: In this clinical trial, 50 patients with moderate and severe grade COPD who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to control and intervention groups. The control group received usual care and the intervention group received usual care plus a self-management program based on the 5A model. Patients were assessed by six-minute walking test and the Borg scale for exercise tolerance and dyspnea at base line and after 12 weeks. SPSS software version 17, independent t-test, and chi-square test were used for data analysis. Results: There was no significant difference between the groups in exercise tolerance at base line; but, they were significantly different at the end of 12 weeks (P = 0.007). In addition, a significant reduction was found in patients' dyspnea in the intervention group, compared with the control group after 12 weeks (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: In short term, using the self-management program can lead to increased exercise tolerance and decreased dyspnea in patients with COPD; thus, this program is recommended as an effective way to improve the functional statuses of these patients.