Chest Physiotherapy for COPD Patients: A Case Series

Background: As per the reports of the American Thoracic Society and the European-Respiratory Society, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the third leading cause of mortality globally. Chest physiotherapy is often employed to alleviate symptoms and improve lung function in COPD patients. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of chest physiotherapy on chest expansion, dyspnea, and airway clearance in COPD patients. Methods: Eight patients diagnosed with COPD were enrolled using purposive sampling. Data on chest expansion (axillary, nipple, and Xiphisternal levels), dyspnea (modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale), and cough-related quality of life (Leicester Cough Questionnaire) were collected before and after a two-week chest physiotherapy intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests. Results: Significant improvements were observed in chest expansion measurements at all three levels (p < 0.05). Dyspnea scores decreased significantly (p < 0.001), indicating reduced breathlessness post-intervention. The Leicester Cough Questionnaire scores also showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.001) across physical, psychological, and social domains. Additionally, mean oxygen saturation levels increased significantly (p = 0.001) post-intervention. Conclusion:This study shows physiotherapy intervention significantly improved clinical outcomes and quality of life for COPD patients. These improvements suggest a potential for reducing hospital stays among COPD patients. Key Message: The efficacy of chest physiotherapy in managing COPD symptoms and improving patient outcomes, providing evidence for its potential benefits in clinical practice.