A clinical practice guideline for physiotherapists treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on a systematic review of available evidence

D. Langer, E. J. M. Hendriks, C. Burtin, V. Probst, C. P. van der Schans, W. J. Paterson, M. C. E. Verhoef-de Wijk, R. V. M. Straver, M. Klaassen, T. Troosters, M. Decramer, V. Ninane, P. Delguste, J. Muris, R. Gosselink*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

86 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: Update of a clinical practice guideline for the physiotherapy management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease supporting the clinical decision-making process.

Methods: A systematic computerized literature search was performed on different modalities for improving physical exercise capacity, reducing exertional dyspnoea, improving airway clearance and encouraging changes in physical activity behaviour. Methodological quality was scored with the PEDro Scale. Scientific conclusions were graded according to the criteria of the 'Dutch Evidence Based Guideline Development Platform'. These, together with practical considerations, were used to formulate recommendations for clinical practice.

Results: A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review, consisting of five meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, 84 randomized controlled trials and 14 uncontrolled studies, Twenty scientific conclusions supported six recommendations on physical exercise training. Nineteen scientific conclusions supported eight recommendations on interventions for reducing dyspnoea. Five scientific conclusions supported seven recommendations concerning treatment modalities to improve mucus clearance, and two scientific conclusions supported two recommendations on strategies for encouraging permanent changes in physical activity behaviour.

Conclusions: Strong recommendations support the use of physical exercise training to improve health-related quality of life and functional exercise capacity. Future research should investigate whether additional interventions for reducing exertional dyspnoea have a place as adjuncts to physical exercise training in selected patients. In addition, treatment of impaired mucus clearance, especially during acute exacerbations, requires further research. With the advance of new technologies for objective measurements of physical activities in daily life more research is needed concerning interventions to initiate and maintain physical activity behaviour change during and after supervised physical exercise training programmes

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)445-462
Number of pages18
JournalClinical Rehabilitation
Volume23
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - May-2009

Keywords

  • RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED-TRIAL
  • POSITIVE-PRESSURE VENTILATION
  • PERIPHERAL MUSCLE WEAKNESS
  • AIR-FLOW OBSTRUCTION
  • FORCED EXPIRATION TECHNIQUE
  • INCREASE PHYSICAL-ACTIVITY
  • EXERCISE-INDUCED HYPOXEMIA
  • QUALITY-OF-LIFE
  • CHRONIC-BRONCHITIS
  • ACUTE EXACERBATION

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'A clinical practice guideline for physiotherapists treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on a systematic review of available evidence'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this