Investigation of the Effect of Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training on COPD Patients

Summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung disease characterized by chronic respiratory symptoms (dyspnea, cough, sputum production, and/or exacerbations) due to persistent, often progressive airflow obstruction resulting from abnormalities in the airways (bronchiolitis, bronchitis) and/or alveoli (emphysema). COPD is a multifaceted disease that is not limited to respiratory symptoms but also negatively affects individuals' functional capacity, physical endurance, and participation in daily living activities. Common symptoms include shortness of breath (dyspnea) and a significant feeling of fatigue; this can lead to decreased exercise capacity, limitations in daily living activities, and ultimately dependence over time. Therefore, in the treatment of COPD, not only drug therapy but also interventions aimed at symptom control and improving functional capacity are becoming increasingly important. Energy conservation techniques, included in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, are based on the view that dyspnea occurs most intensely during daily living activities, and that performing these activities in an energy-conserving manner will result in less dyspnea. Energy conservation techniques are one of the trainings given to improve symptom management in COPD patients. Disease symptoms can increase in COPD patients during tasks such as washing hair, drying hair, shaving, reaching, bending, lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling weights. When appropriate body mechanics and tools that facilitate tasks are used, the amount of energy required during these tasks decreases. In this way, it is thought that patients will be more active in their daily living activities. Breathing exercises are also a component of pulmonary rehabilitation and support the increase of respiratory muscle function and exercise tolerance. Accordingly, it is thought that structured energy conservation techniques training can improve daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in COPD patients. This research will be conducted as a pre-test-post-test, single-blind, randomized controlled trial to examine the effect of structured energy conservation techniques training on daily living activities, fatigue, and exercise capacity in COPD patients.

Conditions

• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Interventions

OTHER

Structured Energy Conservation Techniques Training

Energy conservation techniques (ECT) consist of personal energy conservation methods while performing physical activities. These approaches modify or reduce the energy requirements of activities. Thanks to ECT, it is possible to complete physical activity with little or no dyspnea (Özyılmaz and Gürses, 2012). ECT training consists of six principles: prioritizing activities, planning a daily schedule, adjusting it to suit oneself, positioning, pursed-lip breathing, and a positive attitude (Pohaci, Riani, and Hartoyo, 2013). The content of ECT training includes teaching diaphragmatic breathing to the patient, encouraging them to perform activities requiring upper limb support while seated, emphasizing the importance of asking for help from family members when needed, planning the day and allocating time for rest, holding materials between the shoulder blade and pelvis, avoiding bending, training on proper postures, and demonstrating how to perform activities (Velloso, 2006).

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Akdeniz University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-07-10

Primary Completion

2026-12-10

Completion

2027-01-10

Countries

• Turkey (Türkiye)

Study Locations