Objective

2

To observe the effect of governor vessel moxibustion on improving cardiopulmonary fitness in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) of

qi

deficiency of lung and kidney.

Methods

2

A total of 40 patients with stable COPD of

qi

deficiency of lung and kidney were randomized into an observation group (20 cases) and a control group (20 cases). The routine basic treatment and nursing were adopted in the control group. In the observation group

on the basis of the treatment in the control group

governor vessel moxibustion was applied at the area from Dazhui (GV14) to Yaoshu (GV2) of the governor vessel

1 hour a time

once a week. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks consecutively. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO

2

max)

6-minute walking test (6MWT) and Borg score

pulmonary function indexes (forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV

1

]

forced vital capacity [FVC

]

and ratio of FEV

1

and FVC [FEV

1

/FVC

]

)

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease assessment test (CAT) score

and TCM syndrome score were observed in the two groups before and after treatment respectively.

Results

2

After treatment

the VO

2

max

6MWT

FEV

1

FVC and FEV

1

/FVC were increased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (

P

<

0.001

P

<

0.05)

the above indexes in the observation group were higher than those in the control group (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.01). After treatment

the Borg

CAT and TCM syndrome scores were decreased compared with those before treatment in the two groups (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.001)

the above indexes in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (

P

<

0.05).

Conclusion

2

Governor vessel moxibustion can effectively improve the cardiopulmonary fitness

clinical symptoms and the quality of life in patients with stable COPD of

qi

deficiency of lung and kidney.