Physiotherapy in Hypoxic AECOPD Patients
Physiotherapy in Hypoxic AECOPD Patients
Hypoxia is considered a key player in many of the comorbidities that characterize COPD, such
 as pulmonary hypertension, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. These
 comorbidities are worsened during an exacerbation due to prolonged bed rest and treatment
 with steroids, showing a reduction in the quality of life, exercise tolerance, and a greater
 risk of death in these patients. Therefore, a better understanding of the safety and
 effectiveness of exercise training for AECOPD patients with resting hypoxemia is needed.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients of both sexes

 -  A diagnosis of COPD made according to the criteria of the American Thoracic Society
 (ATS)

 -  With hypoxemia at rest defined as mean arterial oxygen saturation below 90%

 -  Agreed to participate

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Unstable cardiovascular disease

 -  Orthopedic diseases in the upper and lower limbs

 -  Being in ICU or use of mechanical ventilation

 -  Motor sequelae from a neurological or cognitive impairment that interfere with the
 evaluation and the treatment

 -  Contraindications of electrotherapy