The goal of this clinical trial is to investigate the effects of elastic chest compression on functional exercise capacity and respiratory performance of patients with COPD. The main questions it aims to answer are:
Is there difference in functional exercise capacity and respiratory performance without or with the use of elastic upper chest compression? Is there difference in functional exercise capacity and respiratory performance between the use of elastic upper chest compression and elastic lower chest compression?
Participants will:
Be evaluated under three conditions on three different days: without elastic compression, with upper chest compression, and with lower chest compression, with the order of compression application randomly assigned.
The functional capacity and respiratory muscle performance of all patients will be evaluated.
The days for evaluation will be at least three days apart from each other.
at least 20 years old
has a clinical diagnosis of COPD without infection or acute exacerbation in the previous four weeks
is capable of cooperating with the required tests and measurements of the study
has any clinical diagnosis that could affect test outcomes (e.g., neuromyopathy)
has experienced unstable angina or an acute myocardial infarction within the last month
has adjusted COPD related medication within the last month
a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score below 24