Effect of chest mobility exercises on rate of perceived exertion and functional capacity in copd patients

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD), a prevalent condition marked by enduring respiratory symptoms and airflow restrictions. Obstructions prevent the flow of expiratory air, which results in air being trapped causing hyperinflation. Since hyperinflation restricts the range of motion of the muscles, which leads to fatigue and stiffness, it raises stress in the respiratory muscles. Chest mobilization exercises are any exercises that combine active movements of the trunk or extremities with deep breathing. They are designed to maintain or improve mobility of the chest wall, trunk, and shoulder girdles when it affects ventilation or postural alignment. However, till date, the relationship between chest mobility and functional capacity remains unknown for COPD patients. Therefore this study focus on the effect of Chest mobility exercises on functional capacity and Rate of perceived exertion in COPD patients. Objective-To examine the effect of chest mobility exercises on RPE and functional capacity in COPD patients. Method: The study design was Pre and Post-test experimental study which consists of 40 participants with COPD was selected by convenient sampling. Chest mobility exercises were given for 1 week. Outcome Measures were six minute walk test and Modified Borg scale. Result: Pre-Intervention Value of 6MWD was 309.18±50.36 meters and Post Intervention 6MWD was 314.15±50.74 meters which shows significant improvement in 6MWD with p-value <0.0001. Pre-intervention Value of the Modified Borg scale was 4.22±1.52 and post-intervention was 3.22±1.59.this shows significant improvement in the rate of perceived exertion with p value <0.0001. Conclusion: This study concluded that chest mobility exercises improve 6MWD and the rate of perceived exertion in COPD patients.