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Sayed S, K B K, Saleem S F M, Sharma N, Singh K K, Shiggavi A. Impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Coal Miners: An Interventional Study. PTJ 2025; 15 (3) :225-230
URL: http://ptj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-684-en.html

Purpose: Progressive airflow restriction and hyperinflation, accompanied by dyspnoea or shortness of breath and changed respiratory patterns, are characteristic symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Evidence indicates that one of the pulmonary risks associated with coal mining is that coal miners are more likely to develop lung diseases, such as COPD, due to coal mine dust. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on coal miners with COPD. 
Methods: An interventional study was carried out among 76 coal miners aged 18 to 35 years from May to November 2023, based on the selection criteria. The outcome measures assessed at baseline and after the intervention involved incentive spirometry and chest expansion for vital capacity, while the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was used to determine functional capacity. 
Results: The majority of COPD patients were between 24 and 29 years of age. The pre- and post-intervention vital capacities measured on the incentive spirometer, along with chest expansion values, demonstrated statistically significant improvements post-intervention. Furthermore, functional capacity, assessed by the 6MWT, also showed significant improvement post-intervention. 
Conclusion: The study concluded that diaphragmatic breathing, thoracic expansion exercises, and active cycle of breathing technique (ACBT) provided beneficial effects in improving vital capacity, as measured by the incentive spirometer and chest expansion as outcome measures, along with enhanced functional capacity, which showed statistically significant results on the 6MWT.