OBJECTIVETo explore the effect of rehabilitation exercise combined with encouragement on the quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODSA total of 120 inpatients with moderate or severe COPD in stable conditions were randomized equally into experimental and control groups. The patients in both groups received routine treatment for 1 year, and those in the experimental group had additional respiratory muscle and limb exercises with encouragement. The quality of life, 6-min walking distance, lung function, anxiety and depression levels were compared between the two groups before and after the treatments.

RESULTSThe quality of life was improved significantly in the experimental group after the treatments (P<0.01) with obviously increased 6-min walking distance and lowered levels of anxiety and depression in comparison with those in the control group (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the patients in the experimental group showed also significantly improved lung functions.

CONCLUSIONComprehensive pulmonary rehabilitation training program with exercise combined with encouragement can improve the physical and emotional state, social adapt ability and the quality of life of patients with COPD.