Effects of regular walking programme on quality of life of elderly patients with moderate COPD

Regarding Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) prevalence and its known complications, as well as the reported effectiveness of walking programme, this study was conducted to determine the effect of a regular walking programme on quality of life of elderly patients with moderate COPD in education hospitals in Esfahan city in year 2007. This is a quasi-experimental study, which was conducted on 50 elderly Patients (>60 years) with Moderate COPD 30 and 20 patients were allocated randomly to a case group and control group respectively. Data were collected using demographic data form, and quality of life questionnaire (SF12), as well as walking time checklist, which filled in by the participants. Initially, quality of life evaluated on two groups by the SF12 Questionnaire, and then regular walking was followed by the case group for two months, three times a week, which each session lasted for 15 to 35 minutes. Determined distance for walking was 400 meters (appointed by physician). After the intervention, quality of life was reevaluated in both groups. Data analysed via SPSS v.10 computer software. Significant relationships were found among quality of life and some demographic data (age, sex, marital status, level of education, disease duration, cigarette smoking). Also, regular walking programme improved the patients quality of life (P<0.05). With regard to the findings, demographic data should be considered in the patients care in addition, walking programme is expected to be included in their caring plan in order to improve quality of life