ABSTRACT
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) causes losses in lung mechanics, interfering in performance, mobility and conformity of the diaphragm, and traditional diaphragmatic electrical stimulation is able to generate benefits to the lung patient. Could Russian current be another option? We aimed to identify changes after transcutaneous diaphragmatic electrical stimulation through the Russian current in individuals with COPD. Prospective and nearly experimental study with inclusion criteria: drug stability, smoking interruption, COPD degrees III and IV and lifestyle maintenance. Anthropometric and functional measurements have been evaluated. Diaphragmatic stimulation occurred by Endophasys R ET 9701 for four months, twice a week, 30 sessions. Therapy time and frequency for each session were: 18 min. (20 to 30 Hz) and 12 min. (70 to 100 Hz), respectively. For data analysis Student’s t-test was applied (p<0.05). Thirteen individuals participated in the COPD treatment being 11 (84.6%) male, all white, aged 68.46±11.11 years and with tobacco load of 74.03±56.2 per year. At the end of the intervention, there were changes on minute volume from 14.47 min ± 4.72 to 13.03±4.00 l/min; BODE index from 3.92±2.10 to 3.23±1.87 and distance on the 6-minute walk test from 336±76.36 to 402.76±51.29 m. As a conclusion, diaphragmatic electrical stimulation through Russian current promotes significant benefits to COPD patients, providing respiratory and functional improvement.
Keywords:
Diaphragm; Electrical Stimulation; Respiratory Therapy