COMPARISON OF 3 PROTOCOLS FOR BREATHING EXERCISES DURING IMMERSION IN38-DEGREES-C WATER FOR CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY-DISEASE

Respiratory function test, arterial blood gas analysis, and ejection f raction were used to compare three protocols of breathing exercises du ring immersion in 38 degrees C water. Therapy was given for 2 mo to pa tients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Protocol A c onsisted of a total exercise period of 20 min/wk (10 min/day, 2 days/w k) and was performed by 7 patients (5 cases of asthma and 2 cases of e mphysema). Protocol B consisted of a total exercise period of 120 min/ wk (20 min x2 per day at 10:00 am and 3:00 pm, 3 days/wk) and was perf ormed by 9 patients (6 asthmas and 3 emphysemas). Protocol C consisted of a total exercise period of 120 min/wk (20 min/day, 6 days/wk) and was performed by 8 patients (4 asthmas and 4 emphysemas). The ratio of forced expired volume in one second to forced vital capacity (FEV1.0% ) was significantly increased in protocols B and C (P < 0.01). The rat io of forced vital capacity to the predicted normal value (%FVC) was n ot changed in any of the three protocols. A significant increase in pe ak flow was observed in protocols 8 and C (P < 0.05). The maximal expi ratory flow at 25% (V-25) was not changed in any of the three protocol s. Pao, was significantly increased and Pace, was significantly decrea sed in protocol B (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively), whereas only Pace, was significantly decreased in protocol C (P < 0.05). Ejection f raction was increased in protocols 8 and C. These results suggest that exercise for a total period of 120 min/wk is preferable to that of 20 min/wk in COPD.