Efeitos da fisioterapia aquática sobre a funcionalidade de pacientes com enfisema pulmonar

Abstract

COPD is a preventable and treatable disease caused by exposure to smoking and toxic gases. Pulmonary emphysema is a clinical change in COPD that causes changes in the functionality and quality of life of affected patients. Therefore, this study aimed to verify the effects of aquatic physiotherapy on the functionality of patients with pulmonary emphysema. Specific objectives were to assess quality of life, overall muscle strength and functional capacity before and after a rehabilitation program in aquatic physiotherapy. The population consisted of individuals diagnosed with pulmonary emphysema residing in the city of Barão de Cotegipe-RS. The sample consisted of nine volunteers who participated in the research for a period of 8 weeks, three times weekly, totaling 24 sessions. Participants were assessed in the pre- and post-intervention periods for quality of life, lower and upper limb muscle strength, handgrip strength, leg circumference and 6-minute walk test. Of the nine participants, 78% were male and 22% female, with a mean age of 62.44 years. Significant results were found in lower and upper limb muscle strength and the 6-minute walk test and showed a clinically improved quality of life. The protocol used in our study was shown to be effective in functionality and muscle strength in patients with pulmonary emphysema. Aquatic exercises were relevant in the treatment of these patients due to the physical properties of water.