PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to exam the effects of a short-term pulmonary program on lung function, exercise tolerance, and quality of life in chronic lung patients. METHOD: Randomized controlled pre-post test design was used. The outcome measures were forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1, % predicted), 6 min walking distance (6MWD), Borg score after 6MWD, and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ). Experimental group performed the 4-week home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program composed of inspiratory muscle training, upper and lower extremity exercise, relaxation, and telephone visit. Patients in control group were only given education about self-management strategies. Thirty four patients with moderate-to-severe respiratory impairment were recruited, and 28 patients (19 in experiments, 15 in control) completed the study. RESULT: Significant improvements in lung function, exercise tolerance, and health related quality of life were found only in the experiment group. CONCLUSION: This study yielded evidence for the potential and beneficial effects of home-based pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with moderate to severe chronic lung disease. The program could be adequately utilized for improvement of health related quality of life in chronic lung patients.

PURPOSE: The clinical and urodynamic effects of intravesical capsaicin, a neurotoxic substance causing a reversible suppression of unmyelinated C fiber afferent neuronal activity, were investigated for treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia in patients with spinal cord injury. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Capsaicin solution (2mM) dissolved in 30% alcohol was instilled intravesically in 7 men with detrusor hyperreflexia due to spinal cord injury. Effects on bladder function and subjective symptoms were evaluated before and after intravesical instillation of capsaicin. RESULTS: Bladder function was improved in all but 1 patient. The improvement was expressed as an increase from 108ml to 270ml in maximal bladder capacity and a decrease from 75cmH2O to 44cmH2O in maximal detrusor pressure. Four patients had subjective improvement following treatment and the effects lasted for 4 to 6 weeks. Immediately after capsaicin instillation the ice water test was negative in 2 patients. Autonomic dysreflexia was observed in 4 patients, suprapubic discomfort in 3 patients and gross hematuria in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Intravesical capsaicin seems to be a promising method for treatment of detrusor hyperreflexia, but the general use of intravesical capsaicin was limited due to side effects.
Administration, Intravesical ; Autonomic Dysreflexia ; Capsaicin* ; Hematuria ; Humans ; Ice ; Male ; Nerve Fibers, Unmyelinated ; Neurons, Afferent ; Reflex, Abnormal* ; Spinal Cord Injuries* ; Urinary Bladder ; Urodynamics ; Water