Abstract
Introduction: Patients' satisfaction has been associated with greater adherence in rehabilitation programmes. Since patients with COPD often present high dropout rates when taking part in these programmes, the role of satisfaction is critical. Objective: To analyse the satisfaction of COPD patients submitted to exercise training in water and on land. Methodology: Qualitative and exploratory study with 22 patients who completed six months of exercise training. Patients were randomized at baseline either to the exercise training group in water (WT) or on land (LT). All patients underwent high intensity endurance and strength training, three times a week, for six months. Patients who completed the programme (13 in the WT and 9 in the LT) were individually interviewed by a physiotherapist and a semi-structured guide was applied. The interviews were recorded, transcribed and analysed according to the criteria of thematic analysis. Results: Patients' reports revealed factors related to satisfaction in both exercise training regimens. Benefits for physical activity, muscle strength, respiratory symptoms and patient and therapist relationship were also related to both training regimens. However, patients from the WT reported more prominent benefits regarding respiratory symptoms, leisure, sensation of pain and sleep. Conclusion: The satisfaction of COPD patients submitted to exercise training in water and on land can be characterized as multifactorial. Patient and therapist relationship was an important factor for success. Furthermore, exercising in water promoted additional benefits in comparison to the land environment.
- © 2014 ERS