Investigation of the Effect of Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training on COPD Patients

Plain-language summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung disease characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and/or exacerbations) due to persistent, often progressive airflow obstruction resulting from abnormalities in the airways (bronchiolitis, bronchitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema). COPD is a multifaceted disease that is not limited to respiratory symptoms but also negatively affects individuals' functional capacity, physical endurance, and participation in daily living activities. Common symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea) and a significant feeling of fatigue; this can lead to decreased exercise capacity, limitations in daily living activities, and ultimately dependence over time. Therefore, in the treatment of COPD, not only drug therapy but also interventions aimed at symptom control and improving functional capacity are becoming increasingly important. Energy conservation techniques, included in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, are based on the view that dyspnea occurs most intensely during daily living activities, and that performing these activities in an energy-conserving manner will result in less dyspnea. Energy conservation techniques are one of the trainings given to improve symptom management in COPD patients. Disease symptoms can increase in COPD patients during tasks such as washing hair, drying hair, shaving, reaching, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling weights. When appropriate body mechanics and tools that facilitate tasks are used, the amount of energy required during these tasks decreases. In this way, it is thought that patients will be more active in their daily living activities. Breathing exercises are also a component of pulmonary rehabilitation and support the increase of respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. Accordingly, it is thought that structured energy conservation techniques training can improve daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in COPD patients. This research will be conducted as a pre-test-post-test, single-blind, randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of structured energy conservation techniques training on daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in COPD patients.

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