1Assistant Professor, Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Saveetha College of Nursing, SIMATS, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: diana.joann@gmail.com, dayana.scon@saveetha.com; ORCID: 0000-0003-0185-3753
2Professor, Department of General Surgery, Saveetha Medical College and Hospital, SIMATS, Chennai, India
3Professor, Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Saveetha College of Nursing, SIMATS, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
*Corresponding Author: Dayana B. A. A, Assistant Professor, Department of Medical and Surgical Nursing, Saveetha College of Nursing, SIMATS, Thandalam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Email: diana.joann@gmail.com, dayana.scon@saveetha.com; ORCID: 0000-0003-0185-3753
Received: 18th Oct, 2025; Revised: 14th Dec, 2025; Accepted: 15th Jan, 2026; Available Online: 15th Feb, 2026
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation, chronic inflammation, and impaired gas exchange, significantly impacting patient morbidity and mortality worldwide. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has emerged as an essential component of COPD management, aiming to enhance lung function, exercise capacity, and quality of life.
Objective: This pilot study aimed to evaluate the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on physiological outcomes in patients with COPD.
Methods: A quasi-experimental pretest-post-test design was employed involving 20 COPD patients divided into experimental (PR intervention) and control groups. The intervention consisted of a 3-month intensive PR program including breathing exercises, training, psychoeducation, social and emotional support, and nutritional counselling. Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) including FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC ratio, PEFR, and FEF25-75% were measured pre- and post-intervention. Demographic and clinical variables were also collected.
Results: The experimental group demonstrated statistically significant improvements in all pulmonary parameters after the PR program (p < 0.005). In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes. Notably, FEV1 increased from 1.4 ± 0.2 L to 1.8 ± 0.2 L, and FVC from 2.1 ± 0.3 L to 2.5 ± 0.3 L in the intervention group. Between-group comparisons post-intervention showed a reduction in the baseline functional gap. The study further found that demographic variables such as age, educational status, and smoking habits did not significantly influence the PR effectiveness.
Conclusion: Pulmonary rehabilitation significantly improves pulmonary function in COPD patients, enhancing key respiratory parameters and potentially reducing exacerbation risks. This study supports the integration of PR as a vital element in comprehensive COPD care to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
Keywords: Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, COPD, Pulmonary Function Test, PFT, Spirometry
How to cite this article: Dayana BAA, Kamal S, Thenmozhi P.., "Impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Pulmonary Function in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study"..Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026; 16(2): 180-185; DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.2.22
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None