Effects of calisthenic exercises on exercise capasity, symptoms, physical fitness, daily living activities and quality of life in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases

Abstract

Introduction: The effects of different exercise in COPD remain to be investigated. Aim:The aim of study was to determine effects of calisthenic exercises on exercise capasity, physical fitness, quality of life, dispne, fatigue in COPD. Methods:27 patients in GOLD level II-III randomised in study. 14 patients (mean age:61,28±5,10, FEV₁:57,28±10,54%pred) received calisthenic exercise for 6 weeks, 3 sessions per week. Control group, 13 patients (mean age:63,84±5,78, FEV₁:63,69±10,81%pred)received routine medical therapy. Pulmonary function using spirometry, exercise capacity using incremental cycle ergometer, physical fitness using Senior Fitness Test, quality of life using Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire, activities of daily living using London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale(LCADL), dyspneae using Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, fatigue using Fatigue Severity and Impact Scale were evaluated. Results:FEV1, MVV, VO₂, VCO₂, VE, O₂ pulse, exercise time, work load increased in calisthenic group (p<0.05). Quality of life and Senior Fitness Test, except back scratch test subgroup, improved in calisthenic group and LCADL scores, except indoor activities subgroup, improved in exercise group (p<0.05). Dyspnea, fatique symptoms decreased in exercise group (p<0.05) while no significant improvements were seen in control group in all outcomes (p>0.05). Conclusions:Calisthenics improved exercise capasity, physical fitness, quality of life, activities of daily living while it reduced dispne, fatigue. It is necessary to integrate calisthenic exercise to the comprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation.