Efeitos da fisioterapia respiratória na qualidade de vida de pacientes com DPOC em reabilitação: uma revisão integrativa

Abstract

Introduction: In recent years, COPD has become increasingly prevalent, emerging as a significant public health problem worldwide, with an estimated global prevalence of 10.3%. With the aging population and a shortage of effective disease-modifying therapies, it is expected that the annual death toll will reach 5.4 million by the year 2060. COPD is characterized by airflow restriction due to irregularities in the airways and/or alveoli. As the disease progresses, symptoms such as dyspnea, exercise intolerance, and reduced daily activities worsen, leading to a decline in quality of life, unfavorable prognosis, or even premature death. Objectives: To verify the effects of respiratory physiotherapy on the quality of life of COPD patients in rehabilitation, identifying the main quality of life scales and point factors associated with its alteration. Methodology: The research followed the integrative literature review model, conducted through the Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), and included studies published between 2018 and 2023, written in Portuguese or English, that were randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with full text and addressing all search descriptors. Results from quality of life questionnaires applied and provided by the studies were extracted and analyzed. Results: Quality of life questionnaire scores did not show a significant difference with the addition of respiratory exercises to conventional rehabilitation programs. However, this inclusion proved beneficial to the patient's functional status. Final considerations: Few studies were found on the topic, and the selected ones had a low number of participants and/or a short intervention time. Therefore, for more reliable conclusions to be drawn, new studies must be conducted in a more robust manner.