Impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) on Functional Exercise Capacity among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients: Pilot Study.

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a complex lung disorder marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as breathlessness, cough and sputum production due to airway and/or alveolar damage. Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design was employed, assessing 10% of the projected sample size (n = 200) using convenience sampling at Saveetha Medical College and Hospitals, Chennai. The experimental group received a three-month intensive PR program in addition to standard medical care per GOLD guidelines, while the control group received only standard care. The intervention included education on COPD management, breathing exercises, physical training and psychological support. Outcomes were measured at just before starting the study, 6th week and 12th week using 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT). Results: Both the groups were comparable at just before the study initiation regarding clinical and demographic characteristics. The experimental group showed a significant increase in 6MWT distance over 12 weeks (from 320±45 m to 400±48 m; F = 42.18, p