ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the effects of ultrashortwave therapy associated with home-based rehabilitation on lung function and quality of life (QOL) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Methods Ninety patients with stable COPD were equally and randomly divided into a combination group (received uhrashortwave therapy combined with home-based rehabilitation and regular treatment), a rehabilitation group (received home-based rehabilitation and regular treatment), and a control group ( received regular treatment). Spirometry and diaphragm function were measured, and St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) was administered for QOL assessment at the beginning and after 6-month of treatment. Results FEVI% pred and FEV1% increased and average SGRQ scores decreased in the combination group and rehabilitation group. FEVI% pred and SGRQ scores improved most in combination group (all P < 0.05 ). FEV1% pred, FEV1 % and SGRQ scores in control group did not show any obvious change. Diaphragm function in all groups did not change significantly. Conclusions Ultra-shortwave therapy combined with home-based rehabilitation might have combinative effects in improving lung function and QOL of COPD patients.