Effect of unsupported arm exercises on spirometry values and functional exercise tolerance of subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: Many patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) report greater limitations for activities. Ojectives: To investigate the effect of unsupported arm exercises on spirometry values (FVC, FEV1) and functional exercise tolerance (12 minute walk test) among subjects with COPD. Materials and methods: Sixteen subjects were recruited based on identified inclusion and exclusion criterias and were divided into 2 groups (control group-9 patients & experimental group-7 patients). Baseline functional exercise tolerance and ventillatory parameters (FEV1, FVC) were recorded as outcome measures for all the subjects in both the groups using 12-min walk test and spirometry test. Both the groups received routine chest physiotherapy whereas the intervention group received upper limb exercises in addition along with the routine chest physiotherapy for 3 times a week for four weeks. The mean difference of FVC, FEV1 and functional exercise tolerance between the two groups were analysed using paired t- test and Wilcoxon Test. Results: There was significant difference between the pre and post FVC in the experimental group (p < 0.05, p = 0.017) while the FEV1 showed no changes in both the groups. The subjects had increased exercise tolerance as the analysis showed significant difference between the pre and post values in the experimental group with (p < 0.05, p = 0.009, t = 3.81, df = 6). Conclusions: Unsupported arm exercises given for COPD subjects improved functional exercise tolerance and FVC.