Effects of core training based on respiratory therapy on elderly stable COPD patients in the rehabilitation hospital: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Introduction Elderly stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients frequently experience walking dysfunction. Research indicates that balance training holds promise for enhancing walking stability in these individuals, whereas respiratory therapy (RT) can enhance walking endurance effectively. However, existing balance training regimens tailored for COPD are intricate and lack specificity, and the impact of combined RT on patients' walking function remains uncertain. This study aims to assess the influence of core training (CT) integrated with RT on walking function among elderly stable COPD patients. Methods and analysis This randomised, assessment-blinded, routine rehabilitation-controlled trial will be carried out at the Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Rehabilitation, the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai. A total of 42 elderly patients diagnosed with stable COPD will be randomly allocated to either the study group (SG) or the control group in a 1:1 ratio. Both groups will undergo 6 weeks of standard rehabilitation training. Additionally, patients in the SG will receive CT based on RT. The primary outcome of the study is the 6 min walk test. Secondary outcomes encompass ultrasound indicators of the diaphragm and multifidus, pulmonary function tests, Berg balance scale test, trunk impairment scale test, COPD assessment test and St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai (2023-01-01, see online supplemental file 1). All patients will provide written informed consent before participation. The results of the trial are intended for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.