talized for COPD exacerbation, and the results have been
contradictory. In one trial, incentive spirometry significantly
improved St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire
scores, compared with standard care,48 while another trial
found a mean increase in the Barthel score, favoring the
use of a gutter frame over a rollator.49 No significant improvements
were found in daily weight, eating, sleeping,
and exercise scores when the incentive spirometry group
was compared with the standard care group.50To our knowledge,
no previous studies have assessed the effectiveness
of a therapeutic program in subjects with COPD exacerbation,
considering the variables included in the present
study. Several studies have shown that COPD exacerbation
harms health-related quality of life,51 pulmonary function,52
and survival53 of COPD patients.
The present study found a significant improvement in
functional and psychological variables in the intervention
group and significant deterioration in the control group,
due to the hospitalization effect. This suggests that the
patient’s inactivity54 during hospitalization is a factor in
functional and psychological impairment during COPD
exacerbation.