Physiological Cost Index among Individuals with Mild to Moderate Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and their Compliance with Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is currently one of the top three causes of mortality globally,
with poor and middle income nations accounting for 90% of all deaths. The physiological cost index is a technique
for calculating the energy cost using the measurement of heart rate.
Aim: To evaluate Physiological cost index among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to
check their compliance with pulmonary rehabilitation protocol and to rate their exertion using modified Borg
scale.
Methodology: A total of 30 participants were included in this study. Subjects were asked to walk for 6 mins at
comfortable walking speed and Physiological cost index was calculated by using the walking heart rate. The
Physiological cost index were studied on two occasions, before and after performing the given exercises, included
upper and lower mobility exercises along with breathing exercises.
Results: Data was analyzed using statistical software R software version 4.1.2. P-value less than equal to 0.05 was
statistically significant.
Conclusion: This study found that the Physiological Cost Index of subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary
Disease was seen to decrease after performing the prescribed exercises, suggesting a favorable reduction in energy
consumption and improving their functional performance.