The Effects of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Older Patients With Asthma

NMES will be applied during each strengthening exercise session. A dual channel NMES stimulation device will be used with biphasic symmetric constant current impulses with a pulse width 300ms, a frequency of 50 Hz and a duty cycle of 10s on and 20s off protocol for 3 days a week for eight weeks.

Quadriceps strength training will be done with resistive elastics bands for 3 days a week for eight weeks.

The aim of patient education is to increase awareness of patients about COPD and develop skills to better manage their disease. The patient education will be performed at least once via face to face interview. Education topics will be covered basic information about COPD, environmental risk factors, monitoring and managing the signs and symptoms of their disease, energy conservation techniques and relaxation positions to reduce dyspnea and usage of a specific inhaler.

Exercise training will be comprised of cardiovascular endurance training with cycle ergometer and lower extremity strength training. The exercises will be done 3 days a week at the clinic under the supervision of physiotherapist. Total duration of exercise training will last for 8 weeks