ABSTRACT
Objective To evaluate the effect of the bird exercises of Wuqinxi bird exercises combined with simple breath exercises on the quality of life and immune function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Sixty-eight COPD patients were allocated into observation group (N=32) and control group (N=36)according to the intention of the patients. The control group was given conventional inhalation of Seretide and Tiotropium Bromide,and the observation group did Wuqinxi bird exercises and simple breath exercises plus the conventional inhalation therapy. Before and after treatment,we compared the BODE indexes such as body mass index (BMI), air flow obstruction index of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1%), dyspnea scores,exercise capacity (6-min walking distance)as well as COPD assessment test (CAT)scores between the two groups before and after treatment. Meanwhile, the changes of T lymphocyte subtype CD3, CD4, CD8, CD4/CD8 levels and serum immunoglobulin M (IgM),IgA,IgG levels were also monitored. Results(1)After intervention, dyspnea scores of the observation group were obviously improved (P < 0.01), while the control group showed no obvious changes in dyspnea scores (P > 0.05). The observation group had better effect on improving dyspnea scores and 6-min walking distance than the control group (P < 0.05 or P <0.01).(2)After intervention,BODE index and CAT scores were improved in the observation group(P<0.01),BODE index was improved in the control group (P < 0.05), and the improvement of BODE index and CAT scores in the observation group was superior to that in the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). (3)After intervention, T lymphocyte subtype CD3 and CD4 levels as well as the serum IgM, IgA, IgG levels in the observation group were increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01),and IgA level in the control group was also increased (P < 0.05). The observation group had stronger effect on increasing T lymphocyte subtype CD3 and CD4 levels than the control group(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).(4)The difference of adverse reaction incidence was insignificant between the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion Application of Wuqinxi bird exercises and simple breath exercises based on conventional inhalation therapy is effective on improving dyspnea, 6-min walking distance, BODE index and CAT scores, and on increasing T lymphocyte subtype CD3 and CD4 levels as well as the serum IgM and IgG levels of COPD patients.