Abstract
The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of adding Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation(NMES) to conventional Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation(PTR) program on quadriceps strength, functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, and quality of life in older patients with asthma. This study included 24 older patients (67.28±2.29 years) who were divided NMES+PTR(n=12) and PTR(n=12) groups. PTR program for all volunteers consisted of an asthma patient education, breathing retraining, cardiovascular endurance training, and resistance training. Additionally, NMES was applied to quadriceps muscle simultaneously with voluntary contraction in the patients of NMES+PTR group. The exercise program was conducted 3times/week for 8 weeks duration. All participants were assessed in terms of quadriceps strength, functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, quality of life, and pulmonary functions. Findings of the present study revealed NMES+PTR group had statistically higher improvements in quadriceps strength, functional capacity, and quality of life compared to PTR group(p<0.05). Furthermore, patients in the NMES + PTR group had statistically reduced dyspnea scores(p<0.05),(Fig.1). In conclusion, the addition of superimposed NMES to the recommended PTR program was found to be a safe and effective method in elderly patients with asthma.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2021; 58: Suppl. 65, PA1821.
This abstract was presented at the 2021 ERS International Congress, in session “Prediction of exacerbations in patients with COPD”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2021