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Effect of Acu-TENS on Pulmonary Functions in Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
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Background: Acu-TENS has been used to relieve dyspnea and to improve pulmonary function in a variety of respiratory disease patients. There is limited evidence for the use of Acu-TENS in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive disease.
Purpose: The purpose of the present study was to find out the effect of Acu-TENS on pulmonary function in patients with acute exacerbation of COPD.
Design: Randomized pretest-posttest experimental design.
Methods: Total thirty COPD patients with acute exacerbation, were randomly assigned to receive either Acu-TENS or Placebo Acu-TENS for 5 days. Dyspnea score, FEV1 and FVC were measured on 1st, 3rd and 5th day.
Results: Data analysis was performed by SPSS 16. It was found that a statistically significant improvement occurred in dyspnea score, FEV1 and FVC in both the groups. This improvement was significantly higher in patients in Group A as compared to that in Group B.
Limitations: The results of the spirometery were subjected to patient's effort and motivational factor; and effect of TENS or placebo TENS over acupuncture points was compared rather than TENS applied over non acupuncture points.
Conclusion: Results of the study offer an exciting new opportunity to provide a non-pharmacological and non-airflow dependent treatment modality to emergency department practice for acute exacerbation of COPD.
Keywords
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