Breathing exercises as a part of a multicomponent training in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease dispensary follow-up

Objective. To study the significance of incorporating breathing exercises into a multicomponent training regimen for elderly patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) under follow-up care. This study utilized the «Breathing Exercises Complex with Elements of Full Breathing,» a technique devised by specialists at the National Medical Research Center for Therapy and Preventive Medicine, in conjunction with a descriptive analysis of the research protocol design and its applicability within preventive and rehabilitative healthcare measures. Materials and methods. This study was designed as a survey study incorporating elements of descriptive analysis. The materials assessed included guidelines aimed at enhancing respiratory functions in the elderly, consistent with the associated patent for the invention and the research protocol. A thorough examination of the program's methodology, training process, implementation stages, and criteria for patient inclusion and non-inclusion was conducted. Also, both clinical and functional parameters, along with validated questionnaires, were analyzed. Results. The findings indicate that the established methodology represents a clinically and methodologically validated multicomponent program of controlled recreational training tailored for elderly individuals with COPD under follow-up care. The program includes breathing exercises that prioritize full breathing, along with strength and vestibular components. The defined inclusion and non-inclusion criteria ensure clinical homogeneity within the target group and the safety of the method. Additionally, the functional assessment framework facilitates a comprehensive and dynamic evaluation of patients' health status. Conclusions. The integration of breathing exercises, incorporating full-breathing techniques, into a multicomponent training program is consistent with contemporary strategies in preventive medicine and the medical rehabilitation of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease under follow-up care. This method represents a promising approach for non-pharmacological prophylaxis and medical rehabilitation as part of the follow-up care for elderly patients with COPD.