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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2014 Mar-Apr;18(2):165-73.
doi: 10.1590/s1413-35552012005000151. Epub 2014 May 2.

Costs and benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial

Catharinne C Farias  1 , Vanessa Resqueti  2 , Fernando A L Dias  1 , Audrey Borghi-Silva  3 , Ross Arena  4 , Guilherme A F Fregonezi  1
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Costs and benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled trial

Catharinne C Farias et al. Braz J Phys Ther. 2014 Mar-Apr.

Abstract

Objective: The current study evaluated the costs and benefits of a simple aerobic walking program for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Method: This was a blinded randomized controlled clinical trial that recruited 72 patients diagnosed with COPD, 40 of whom were included in the study and divided into two groups [control group (CG) and pulmonary rehabilitation group (GPR)]. We assessed pulmonary function, distance covered during the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, health-related quality of life (HRQOL), body composition, and level of activities of daily living (ADLs) before and after an 8-week walking program. The financial costs were calculated according to the pricing table of the Brazilian Unified Health System (SUS).

Results: Only 34 of the 40 patients remained in the final sample; 16 in the CG and 18 in the GPR (FEV1: 50.9 ± 14% predicted and FEV1: 56 ± 0.5% predicted, respectively). The intervention group exhibited improvements in the 6MWT, sensation of dyspnea and fatigue, work performed, BODE index (p<0.01), HRQOL, ADL level (p<0.001), and lower limb strength (p<0.05). The final mean cost per patient for the GPR was R$ 148.75 (~US$ 75.00) and no patient significantly exceeded this value. However, 2 patients in the CG did exceed this value, incurring a cost of R$ 689.15 (~US$ 345.00).

Conclusion: Aerobic walking demonstrated significant clinical benefits in a cost-efficient manner in patients with COPD.

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