| Objective: To explore the effects of external diaphragm pacemaker (EDP) combined with elastic band resistance training (RT) on cardiopulmonary function and quality of life in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: Totally 118 stable COPD patients were randomly assigned into control group (59 cases, receiving conventional treatment combined with EDP) and observation group (59 cases, receiving additional elastic band RT on the basis of control group). The modified version of the Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT), and the St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) were used to assess patients' symptoms and evaluate their quality of life. The cardiopulmonary function ［6-minute walking distance (6MWD) measurement, forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC)］, serum inflammatory factors ［matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), interleukin-8 (IL-8)］, blood gas analysis ［arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2)］ and adverse reaction were compared. Results: Before the treatment, there was no statistically significant difference in the above indicators between the two groups. After treatment, the mMRC, CAT, SGRQ score, serum MMP-9, IL-8, and PaCO2 levels in both groups decreased compared to before treatment (P<0.01). The observation group had lower mMRC, CAT, SGRQ score, serum MMP-9, IL-8, and PaCO2 than the control group (P<0.01). The levels of 6MWD, FEV1/FVC, and PaO2 in both groups increased compared to those before treatment (P<0.01). The observation group had a larger 6MWD, FEV1/FVC, and PaO2 than the control group (P<0.05, 0.01). There was no significant difference in the adverse reactions between the two groups. Conclusion: External diaphragm pacemaker combined with elastic band resistance training can alleviate the degree of respiratory distress and overall condition in patients with stable COPD. It can also reduce lung tissue damage, mitigate systemic inflammatory response, control disease progression, and improve blood gas indicators and cardiopulmonary function, providing more options for clinical treatment. |
