Abstract

Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is a key component for treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The risk of morbidity/mortality in patients with COPD is often graded with the use of a single physiological variable, the forced expiratory volume in first second (FEV1). The BODE index, a simple multidimensional grading system is a better tool than FEV1 alone to evaluate the patients with COPD. Presumably, a higher BODE score correlates with an increased risk of death.4 Objective: The objective was to assess the effect of PR on BODE index and compare it with the change in BODE index of patients on conventional pharmacological therapy alone. Methodology: In this prospective study, 60 confirmed cases of COPD were divided in two groups of 30 patients each and both groups were put on adequate pharmacological treatment as per GOLD guidelines. Patients of study group were enrolled in PR program in addition to the pharmacological treatment. BODE index was calculated for both the groups at diagnosis, after 7 days and after 6 weeks. Results: In both groups, significant improvement was observed in the BODE index from the time of diagnosis till first week and time of diagnosis till the sixth week. However, improvement in BODE index from first week till the sixth week was statistically significant only in study group. Conclusion: PR shows significant improvement in BODE index over longer duration than pharmacological treatment alone, hence potentially reduces the risk of death in COPD

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