Observational study of pulmonary rehabilitation and self management for patients with COPD

Objective: To describe the outcome of a one year self-management program (SMG) and a two year pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRG). Methods: Two open prospective observational studies with 30 patients in each study. SMG had 46 hours over 12 months. PRG had in addition three weekly exercise sessions parallel which lasted an additional year. Results: In SMG, health-related quality of life (HRQoL, measured by St. George`s Respiratory Questionnaire) had an improvement of –3.6 points (95% CI –6.7 to –0.5) one year after the end of the intervention, but there was no change in the six minutes walking test (6MWT). The PRG had an improvement in HRQoL at the end of the intervention of –11.2 points (95% CI –13.9 to –8.4) and the 6MWT was clinically significant improved with 86 metres (95% CI 63 to 109). None of the groups showed any clinical relevant change in lung function. Conclusion: Participants in the SMG had had an improvement in quality of life and no deterioration in exercise tolerance one year after the end of the program compared to the start. Participants in the PRG significantly improved their quality of life and exercise tolerance the first year, but had no further clinical relevant improvement the second year.