Physiotherapy in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is projected to be the fifth leading burden of disease worldwide by the year 2020. An acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) is defined as an acute event characterized by a worsening of the patient's respiratory symptoms that requires a modification in the medication. AECOPD are frequent (mean of 1-4 exacerbations each year). It increases in frequency with the severity of the disease. The objective of this study is to examine whether a physical therapy intervention can reduce impairment in patients with COPD during hospitalization due to an acute exacerbation.