Effects of PNF D2 Technique With Resistance on Pulmonary Function, Exercise Capacity and Health Status of COPD Patients

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of morbidity and disability with 251 million cases per anum reported worldwide. COPD ranks fourth among the common causes of mortality with an estimated 3 million annual deaths worldwide that is projected to be third by 2020. COPD deaths are more prevalent among the low socio-economic developing countries, estimated up to 90% of the total mortality rate across the globe. In Asia, 13.5% of the total population suffers with COPD. Particularly, in Pakistan every 10th individual suffers with COPD out of which 19.4% are of age above 40 years. Moreover, the problem has been identified as a growing public health concern and a challenge for the clinicians of 21st century. Consequently, the severity of the condition of patients is contributed by exacerbations or co-morbidities, and significant economic burden due to the hospitalizations, absence from work and disability; and its management cost from $1544 to $2335 in Asian countries, annually. However, specific data economic burden for Pakistan is not reported yet. A number of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment options are utilized in the management of COPD; however, pulmonary rehabilitation has been conferred as the corner stone in management of COPD. NICE guidelines emphasize upon the importance of pulmonary rehabilitation for all individuals presenting with COPD; even those who have acutely suffered an exacerbation or underwent recent hospitalization. Moreover, pulmonary rehabilitation consisting of structured exercises regimes and education regarding self-care has been reported to improve COPD symptoms and exercise tolerance; and reduce expenditure of resources on recurrent hospitalization and length of stay. Study has reported that resistance training demonstrated in better improvement in muscular strength than endurance exercise and causes lesser chances of dyspnea while performing activities and is more tolerable than endurance exerci