Ensino da ética para os profissionais de saúde e efeitos sociais

This study, concerning the present stage of ethics teaching for health professionals starts with some considerations on the origins of etics in human’s health care. The authors deal with the almost common origin of Medicine and Ethics in the light of the human society history. Finally, it states the conviction of the ethical reflections that are consequences of life in itself and are the real fundaments of are codes and our behaviour. Keywords: Etics, History, Health Education.O ensaio “Ensino da Ética para os Profissionais de Saúde e Efeitos Sociais” é iniciado com considerações sobre a origem da ética no cuidado ao ser humano. Aborda a origem quase comum da medicina e ética à luz da história da sociedade humana. Finalmente, reitera a convicção, de reflexões sobre questões verdadeiramente éticas suscitadas pela vida e que são os reais alicerces de nossos códigos e de nossa conduta. Palavras-chave: Ética, História, Educação em Saúde

Impact of pulmonary rehabilitation in inflammatory markers in preoperative and postoperative pulmonary complications in patients with lung cancer candidates in pulmonary resection

O cÃncer de pulmÃo (CP) à uma agressÃo maligna com caracterÃsticas inflamatÃrias e muitas vezes ressecÃveis. A escolha do fibrinogÃnio e albumina deve ao fato de serem marcadores inflamatÃrios e se manifestarem em CP, muitas vezes associado à doenÃa obstrutiva crÃnica. As complicaÃÃes pulmonares ainda sÃo preocupaÃÃes nas ressecÃÃes pulmonares. O estudo avaliou o impacto da reabilitaÃÃo pulmonar nos marcadores inflamatÃrios prÃ-operatÃrios e nas complicaÃÃes pulmonares pÃs-operatÃrias de pacientes com CP. Ensaio clÃnico, controlado com 31 pacientes, com doenÃa obstrutiva de moderado a grave, estadiamento IA a IIIA, aleatorizados em: Grupo A (GA) submetido à RP e o controle Grupo B (GB) a fisioterapia respiratÃria (FR). Avaliados antes e apÃs 4 semanas do protocolo do estudo pela funÃÃo pulmonar, forÃa muscular respiratÃria, capacidade funcional, forÃa muscular de membros superiores (MMSS), capacidade mÃxima e submÃxima de exercÃcio, ansiedade e depressÃo (HADS), qualidade de vida pelo Short-Form36 (SF36), fibrinogÃnio e albumina. ApÃs a cirurgia foram analisadas as complicaÃÃes pulmonares. O GA realizou treinamento aerÃbico, de forÃa muscular perifÃrica e respiratÃria. O GB executou tÃcnicas para expansÃo pulmonar. Os grupos receberam aulas educativas e realizaram os protocolos com tempo equÃnime. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comità de Ãtica do Hospital de Messejana. No GA houve melhora significativa da CVF passando de 65Â17 para 76Â15% previsto (p=0,003), da PImax de 78Â46 para 104Â42cmH2O (p=0,0003), da PEmax, de 78Â21 para 93Â25cmH2O (p=0,0009), aumento da distÃncia percorrida de 435Â70 para 491Â88m (p<0,0001), da carga mÃxima para MMSS de 1,0 para 2,0kg (p=0,008), da inclinaÃÃo do teste de MMII de 5Â3 para 8Â3% (p<0,0001) e velocidade de 4,9 [3,7-5,5] para 5,2 [4,4-6] (p=0,002), da capacidade submÃxima de MMII de 447Â179 para 718Â220s (p=0,002), da HADS-A de 9,9Â4,9 para 4,9Â2,7 (p<0,0001), do HADS-D de 9,05Â4,08 para 4,9Â2,1 (p<0,0001), da qualidade de vida com Coeficiente FÃsico Sumarizado (CFS) de 37,5Â9,07 para 46,15Â8,7% (p=0,004) e do fibrinogÃnio de 448,3Â129,9 para 321,6Â73,2mg/dl (p=0,0002). A albumina nÃo apresentou nenhum resultado significativo nos grupos (p>0,05). No GB houve aumento significativo da PImax 50Â22 para 70Â35(p=0,004) e reduÃÃo nÃo significante no fibrinogÃnio passando de 490,7Â199,7 para 453,3Â177,2 mg/dl(p=0,3). Nas demais variÃveis o GB nÃo apresentou resultados significantes. Quando comparados entre grupos houve diferenÃa significante nas variÃveis: teste da caminhada de 6min (p=0,0001), forÃa muscular de MMSS (p=0,009), inclinaÃÃo (p=0,0008), endurance (p=0,005), HADS-A (p=0,0002), HADS-D (p=0,04), CFS (p=0,03) e fibrinogÃnio (p=0,04). Dos 31 pacientes, 10 nÃo realizaram cirurgia. Nas complicaÃÃes pulmonares pÃs-cirÃrgicas o GA relacionados a morbidade de menor e maior relevÃncia apresentou menor percentual (p=0,002 e p=0,01 respectivamente), menor tempo de internaÃÃo hospitalar (p=0,004) e dreno torÃcico (p=0,03), percentual menor de fÃstula broncopleural (p=0,009) e menor presenÃa de broncoespasmo (p=0,002) quando comparado com GB. A RP prÃ-operatÃria teve impacto na diminuiÃÃo dos nÃveis sÃricos de fibrinogÃnio, melhora dos parÃmetros clÃnicos funcionais, qualidade de vida, ansiedade e depressÃo e reduziu o percentual de complicaÃÃes pulmonares no pÃs-operatÃrio. Na ausÃncia de RP a FR pode ser uma estratÃgia importante no prÃ-operatÃrio.Lung cancer (LC) is a malignant aggression which can be also surgically treated characterized by inflammation and higher mortality rates. Pulmonary complications are still concerning. The choice of studying fibrinogen and albumin is due to the fact that they are active inflammatory markers in LC often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary complications subsequent to lung resection are still worrying. This study evaluated the impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) on preoperative inflammatory markers and postoperative pulmonary complications of LC patients. Controlled clinical trial with 31 patients with moderate to severe obstructive disease, stages IA to IIIA, randomized into Group A (GA) undergone PR and the control group - Group B (GB) undergone respiratory therapy (RT). Pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, upper limbs muscle strength, maximum and submaximal exercise capacity, Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), quality of life through Short-form36 (SF36), fibrinogen and albumin were evaluated before and after a 4 weeks of the survey protocols. After surgery pulmonary complications were analyzed. GA performed aerobic physical training, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength training. GB performed lung expansion techniques. Both groups received educational classes and performed the protocols in similar time. The study was approved by the institutionâs ethic committee. There was in GA significant improvements in FVC from 65Â17 to 76 15% of its predicted (p=0.003 ), in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) from 78Â46 to 104 42cmH2O (p=0.0003 ), in maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) from 78Â21 to 93 25cmH2O (p=0.0009 ); in walked distance from 435Â70 to 491Â88 m (p<0.0001 ), upper limb maximum load from 1.0 to 2.0 kg (p=0.008 ), in treadmill inclination from 5Â3 to 8 3% (p<0.0001 ) and speed from 4.9 [3.7 -5.5] to 5.2 [4.4 -6] (p=0.002 ), submaximal exercise capacity from 447Â179 to 718 220s (p=0.002 ), in anxiety from 9.9 Â4.9 to 4.9 Â2.7 (p<0.0001 ), and depression from 9.05 Â4.08 to 4.9 Â2.1 (p<0.0001 ), in quality of life with Physical Component Summary (PCS) from 37.5 Â9.07 to 46.15  8.7 % (p=0.004 ) and fibrinogen to 448.3 Â129.9 to 321.6  73.2 mg/dl (p=0.0002 ). Albumin has not showed significant result in both groups. In GB there was significant increase in MIP 50Â22 to 70 35 (p=0.004) and reduction in fibrinogen from 490.7  199.7 to 453.3  177.2 mg/dl (p=0.3). Other variables GB did not show any significant results. When comparing results between groups there was significant difference in the walked distance (p=0,0001), in upper limb strength (p=0,009), in inclination (p=0,0008), in endurance (p=0,005), in anxiety (p=0,0002), in depression (p=0,04), in PCS (p=0,03) and fibrinogen (p=0,04). Out of 31 patients, 10 were not operated. In postoperative pulmonary complications, GA show less greater and lesser relevance morbidity (p=0,002 and p=0,01 respectively) shorter length of hospital stay (p=0,004), less chest tube days(p=0,03), lower percentage of bronchial fistula (p=0,009) and less bronchospasm (p=0,002). When compared to GB. PR had impact on the reduction of serum fibrinogen, on clinical improvements, health related quality of life, anxiety and depression, and also reduced postoperative pulmonary complications. In the absence of PR programs, RT can be an important preoperative strategy.O cÃncer de pulmÃo (CP) à uma agressÃo maligna com caracterÃsticas inflamatÃrias e muitas vezes ressecÃveis. A escolha do fibrinogÃnio e albumina deve ao fato de serem marcadores inflamatÃrios e se manifestarem em CP, muitas vezes associado à doenÃa obstrutiva crÃnica. As complicaÃÃes pulmonares ainda sÃo preocupaÃÃes nas ressecÃÃes pulmonares. O estudo avaliou o impacto da reabilitaÃÃo pulmonar nos marcadores inflamatÃrios prÃ-operatÃrios e nas complicaÃÃes pulmonares pÃs-operatÃrias de pacientes com CP. Ensaio clÃnico, controlado com 31 pacientes, com doenÃa obstrutiva de moderado a grave, estadiamento IA a IIIA, aleatorizados em: Grupo A (GA) submetido à RP e o controle Grupo B (GB) a fisioterapia respiratÃria (FR). Avaliados antes e apÃs 4 semanas do protocolo do estudo pela funÃÃo pulmonar, forÃa muscular respiratÃria, capacidade funcional, forÃa muscular de membros superiores (MMSS), capacidade mÃxima e submÃxima de exercÃcio, ansiedade e depressÃo (HADS), qualidade de vida pelo Short-Form36 (SF36), fibrinogÃnio e albumina. ApÃs a cirurgia foram analisadas as complicaÃÃes pulmonares. O GA realizou treinamento aerÃbico, de forÃa muscular perifÃrica e respiratÃria. O GB executou tÃcnicas para expansÃo pulmonar. Os grupos receberam aulas educativas e realizaram os protocolos com tempo equÃnime. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comità de Ãtica do Hospital de Messejana. No GA houve melhora significativa da CVF passando de 65Â17 para 76Â15% previsto (p=0,003), da PImax de 78Â46 para 104Â42cmH2O (p=0,0003), da PEmax, de 78Â21 para 93Â25cmH2O (p=0,0009), aumento da distÃncia percorrida de 435Â70 para 491Â88m (p<0,0001), da carga mÃxima para MMSS de 1,0 para 2,0kg (p=0,008), da inclinaÃÃo do teste de MMII de 5Â3 para 8Â3% (p<0,0001) e velocidade de 4,9 [3,7-5,5] para 5,2 [4,4-6] (p=0,002), da capacidade submÃxima de MMII de 447Â179 para 718Â220s (p=0,002), da HADS-A de 9,9Â4,9 para 4,9Â2,7 (p<0,0001), do HADS-D de 9,05Â4,08 para 4,9Â2,1 (p<0,0001), da qualidade de vida com Coeficiente FÃsico Sumarizado (CFS) de 37,5Â9,07 para 46,15Â8,7% (p=0,004) e do fibrinogÃnio de 448,3Â129,9 para 321,6Â73,2mg/dl (p=0,0002). A albumina nÃo apresentou nenhum resultado significativo nos grupos (p>0,05). No GB houve aumento significativo da PImax 50Â22 para 70Â35(p=0,004) e reduÃÃo nÃo significante no fibrinogÃnio passando de 490,7Â199,7 para 453,3Â177,2 mg/dl(p=0,3). Nas demais variÃveis o GB nÃo apresentou resultados significantes. Quando comparados entre grupos houve diferenÃa significante nas variÃveis: teste da caminhada de 6min (p=0,0001), forÃa muscular de MMSS (p=0,009), inclinaÃÃo (p=0,0008), endurance (p=0,005), HADS-A (p=0,0002), HADS-D (p=0,04), CFS (p=0,03) e fibrinogÃnio (p=0,04). Dos 31 pacientes, 10 nÃo realizaram cirurgia. Nas complicaÃÃes pulmonares pÃs-cirÃrgicas o GA relacionados a morbidade de menor e maior relevÃncia apresentou menor percentual (p=0,002 e p=0,01 respectivamente), menor tempo de internaÃÃo hospitalar (p=0,004) e dreno torÃcico (p=0,03), percentual menor de fÃstula broncopleural (p=0,009) e menor presenÃa de broncoespasmo (p=0,002) quando comparado com GB. A RP prÃ-operatÃria teve impacto na diminuiÃÃo dos nÃveis sÃricos de fibrinogÃnio, melhora dos parÃmetros clÃnicos funcionais, qualidade de vida, ansiedade e depressÃo e reduziu o percentual de complicaÃÃes pulmonares no pÃs-operatÃrio. Na ausÃncia de RP a FR pode ser uma estratÃgia importante no prÃ-operatÃrio.Lung cancer (LC) is a malignant aggression which can be also surgically treated characterized by inflammation and higher mortality rates. Pulmonary complications are still concerning. The choice of studying fibrinogen and albumin is due to the fact that they are active inflammatory markers in LC often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary complications subsequent to lung resection are still worrying. This study evaluated the impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) on preoperative inflammatory markers and postoperative pulmonary complications of LC patients. Controlled clinical trial with 31 patients with moderate to severe obstructive disease, stages IA to IIIA, randomized into Group A (GA) undergone PR and the control group - Group B (GB) undergone respiratory therapy (RT). Pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, upper limbs muscle strength, maximum and submaximal exercise capacity, Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), quality of life through Short-form36 (SF36), fibrinogen and albumin were evaluated before and after a 4 weeks of the survey protocols. After surgery pulmonary complications were analyzed. GA performed aerobic physical training, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength training. GB performed lung expansion techniques. Both groups received educational classes and performed the protocols in similar time. The study was approved by the institutionâs ethic committee. There was in GA significant improvements in FVC from 65Â17 to 76 15% of its predicted (p=0.003 ), in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) from 78Â46 to 104 42cmH2O (p=0.0003 ), in maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) from 78Â21 to 93 25cmH2O (p=0.0009 ); in walked distance from 435Â70 to 491Â88 m (p<0.0001 ), upper limb maximum load from 1.0 to 2.0 kg (p=0.008 ), in treadmill inclination from 5Â3 to 8 3% (p<0.0001 ) and speed from 4.9 [3.7 -5.5] to 5.2 [4.4 -6] (p=0.002 ), submaximal exercise capacity from 447Â179 to 718 220s (p=0.002 ), in anxiety from 9.9 Â4.9 to 4.9 Â2.7 (p<0.0001 ), and depression from 9.05 Â4.08 to 4.9 Â2.1 (p<0.0001 ), in quality of life with Physical Component Summary (PCS) from 37.5 Â9.07 to 46.15  8.7 % (p=0.004 ) and fibrinogen to 448.3 Â129.9 to 321.6  73.2 mg/dl (p=0.0002 ). Albumin has not showed significant result in both groups. In GB there was significant increase in MIP 50Â22 to 70 35 (p=0.004) and reduction in fibrinogen from 490.7  199.7 to 453.3  177.2 mg/dl (p=0.3). Other variables GB did not show any significant results. When comparing results between groups there was significant difference in the walked distance (p=0,0001), in upper limb strength (p=0,009), in inclination (p=0,0008), in endurance (p=0,005), in anxiety (p=0,0002), in depression (p=0,04), in PCS (p=0,03) and fibrinogen (p=0,04). Out of 31 patients, 10 were not operated. In postoperative pulmonary complications, GA show less greater and lesser relevance morbidity (p=0,002 and p=0,01 respectively) shorter length of hospital stay (p=0,004), less chest tube days(p=0,03), lower percentage of bronchial fistula (p=0,009) and less bronchospasm (p=0,002). When compared to GB. PR had impact on the reduction of serum fibrinogen, on clinical improvements, health related quality of life, anxiety and depression, and also reduced postoperative pulmonary complications. In the absence of PR programs, RT can be an important preoperative strategy.O cÃncer de pulmÃo (CP) à uma agressÃo maligna com caracterÃsticas inflamatÃrias e muitas vezes ressecÃveis. A escolha do fibrinogÃnio e albumina deve ao fato de serem marcadores inflamatÃrios e se manifestarem em CP, muitas vezes associado à doenÃa obstrutiva crÃnica. As complicaÃÃes pulmonares ainda sÃo preocupaÃÃes nas ressecÃÃes pulmonares. O estudo avaliou o impacto da reabilitaÃÃo pulmonar nos marcadores inflamatÃrios prÃ-operatÃrios e nas complicaÃÃes pulmonares pÃs-operatÃrias de pacientes com CP. Ensaio clÃnico, controlado com 31 pacientes, com doenÃa obstrutiva de moderado a grave, estadiamento IA a IIIA, aleatorizados em: Grupo A (GA) submetido à RP e o controle Grupo B (GB) a fisioterapia respiratÃria (FR). Avaliados antes e apÃs 4 semanas do protocolo do estudo pela funÃÃo pulmonar, forÃa muscular respiratÃria, capacidade funcional, forÃa muscular de membros superiores (MMSS), capacidade mÃxima e submÃxima de exercÃcio, ansiedade e depressÃo (HADS), qualidade de vida pelo Short-Form36 (SF36), fibrinogÃnio e albumina. ApÃs a cirurgia foram analisadas as complicaÃÃes pulmonares. O GA realizou treinamento aerÃbico, de forÃa muscular perifÃrica e respiratÃria. O GB executou tÃcnicas para expansÃo pulmonar. Os grupos receberam aulas educativas e realizaram os protocolos com tempo equÃnime. O estudo foi aprovado pelo Comità de Ãtica do Hospital de Messejana. No GA houve melhora significativa da CVF passando de 65Â17 para 76Â15% previsto (p=0,003), da PImax de 78Â46 para 104Â42cmH2O (p=0,0003), da PEmax, de 78Â21 para 93Â25cmH2O (p=0,0009), aumento da distÃncia percorrida de 435Â70 para 491Â88m (p<0,0001), da carga mÃxima para MMSS de 1,0 para 2,0kg (p=0,008), da inclinaÃÃo do teste de MMII de 5Â3 para 8Â3% (p<0,0001) e velocidade de 4,9 [3,7-5,5] para 5,2 [4,4-6] (p=0,002), da capacidade submÃxima de MMII de 447Â179 para 718Â220s (p=0,002), da HADS-A de 9,9Â4,9 para 4,9Â2,7 (p<0,0001), do HADS-D de 9,05Â4,08 para 4,9Â2,1 (p<0,0001), da qualidade de vida com Coeficiente FÃsico Sumarizado (CFS) de 37,5Â9,07 para 46,15Â8,7% (p=0,004) e do fibrinogÃnio de 448,3Â129,9 para 321,6Â73,2mg/dl (p=0,0002). A albumina nÃo apresentou nenhum resultado significativo nos grupos (p>0,05). No GB houve aumento significativo da PImax 50Â22 para 70Â35(p=0,004) e reduÃÃo nÃo significante no fibrinogÃnio passando de 490,7Â199,7 para 453,3Â177,2 mg/dl(p=0,3). Nas demais variÃveis o GB nÃo apresentou resultados significantes. Quando comparados entre grupos houve diferenÃa significante nas variÃveis: teste da caminhada de 6min (p=0,0001), forÃa muscular de MMSS (p=0,009), inclinaÃÃo (p=0,0008), endurance (p=0,005), HADS-A (p=0,0002), HADS-D (p=0,04), CFS (p=0,03) e fibrinogÃnio (p=0,04). Dos 31 pacientes, 10 nÃo realizaram cirurgia. Nas complicaÃÃes pulmonares pÃs-cirÃrgicas o GA relacionados a morbidade de menor e maior relevÃncia apresentou menor percentual (p=0,002 e p=0,01 respectivamente), menor tempo de internaÃÃo hospitalar (p=0,004) e dreno torÃcico (p=0,03), percentual menor de fÃstula broncopleural (p=0,009) e menor presenÃa de broncoespasmo (p=0,002) quando comparado com GB. A RP prÃ-operatÃria teve impacto na diminuiÃÃo dos nÃveis sÃricos de fibrinogÃnio, melhora dos parÃmetros clÃnicos funcionais, qualidade de vida, ansiedade e depressÃo e reduziu o percentual de complicaÃÃes pulmonares no pÃs-operatÃrio. Na ausÃncia de RP a FR pode ser uma estratÃgia importante no prÃ-operatÃrio.Lung cancer (LC) is a malignant aggression which can be also surgically treated characterized by inflammation and higher mortality rates. Pulmonary complications are still concerning. The choice of studying fibrinogen and albumin is due to the fact that they are active inflammatory markers in LC often associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Pulmonary complications subsequent to lung resection are still worrying. This study evaluated the impact of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) on preoperative inflammatory markers and postoperative pulmonary complications of LC patients. Controlled clinical trial with 31 patients with moderate to severe obstructive disease, stages IA to IIIA, randomized into Group A (GA) undergone PR and the control group - Group B (GB) undergone respiratory therapy (RT). Pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, upper limbs muscle strength, maximum and submaximal exercise capacity, Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), quality of life through Short-form36 (SF36), fibrinogen and albumin were evaluated before and after a 4 weeks of the survey protocols. After surgery pulmonary complications were analyzed. GA performed aerobic physical training, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength training. GB performed lung expansion techniques. Both groups received educational classes and performed the protocols in similar time. The study was approved by the institutionâs ethic committee. There was in GA significant improvements in FVC from 65Â17 to 76 15% of its predicted (p=0.003 ), in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) from 78Â46 to 104 42cmH2O (p=0.0003 ), in maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) from 78Â21 to 93 25cmH2O (p=0.0009 ); in walked distance from 435Â70 to 491Â88 m (p<0.0001 ), upper limb maximum load from 1.0 to 2.0 kg (p=0.008 ), in treadmill inclination from 5Â3 to 8 3% (p<0.0001 ) and speed from 4.9 [3.7 -5.5] to 5.2 [4.4 -6] (p=0.002 ), submaximal exercise capacity from 447Â179 to 718 220s (p=0.002 ), in anxiety from 9.9 Â4.9 to 4.9 Â2.7 (p<0.0001 ), and depression from 9.05 Â4.08 to 4.9 Â2.1 (p<0.0001 ), in quality of life with Physical Component Summary (PCS) from 37.5 Â9.07 to 46.15  8.7 % (p=0.004 ) and fibrinogen to 448.3 Â129.9 to 321.6  73.2 mg/dl (p=0.0002 ). Albumin has not showed significant result in both groups. In GB there was significant increase in MIP 50Â22 to 70 35 (p=0.004) and reduction in fibrinogen from 490.7  199.7 to 453.3  177.2 mg/dl (p=0.3). Other variables GB did not show any significant results. When comparing results between groups there was significant difference in the walked distance (p=0,0001), in upper limb strength (p=0,009), in inclination (p=0,0008), in endurance (p=0,005), in anxiety (p=0,0002), in depression (p=0,04), in PCS (p=0,03) and fibrinogen (p=0,04). Out of 31 patients, 10 were not operated. In postoperative pulmonary complications, GA show less greater and lesser relevance morbidity (p=0,002 and p=0,01 respectively) shorter length of hospital stay (p=0,004), less chest tube days(p=0,03), lower percentage of bronchial fistula (p=0,009) and less bronchospasm (p=0,002). When compared to GB. PR had impact on the reduction of serum fibrinogen, on clinical improvements, health related quality of life, anxiety and depression, and also reduced postoperative pulmonary complications. In the absence of PR programs, RT can be an important preoperative strategy

A hidroterapia no tratamento de pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica - doi:10.5020/18061230.2007.p221

The Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious, disabling disease, presenting the pulmonary function test with abnormalities in the expiratory flow. Under this denomination, it comprises the chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. The hydrotherapy involves the physical therapy with aquatic exercises and has being used because it is a pleasant activity with positive results. The aim of this exploratory study was to compare the performance of the patients with COPD treated with hydrotherapy associated to pulmonary rehabilitation with those treated only with pulmonary rehabilitation, being held in the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation center of Messejana Hospital, in Fortaleza - Ceará. The sample consisted of 10 patients, independently of sex and age, randomly divided into two groups. The evaluation instrument was the upper limbs incremental test observing the following parameters: the cardiac frequency (FC), the respiratory frequency (f), the degree of dyspnea, the tiredness of the upper limbs, the maximum burden reached and the oxygen saturation (SatO2). The parameters FC (p=0.04), f (p=0.046) e SatO2 (p=0.008) presented an average improvement of 33.33% above those of the patients that were just in the pulmonary rehabilitation. The other evaluated parameters also presented positive results, but with p>0.05. In conclusion, the results obtained with the pulmonary rehabilitation associated to the hydrotherapy overcome those found just with the pulmonary rehabilitation treatment, allowing an increase in the physical conditioning and improvement in the functional activities; although, due to the reduced number of cases, new researches should be held to confirm this exploratory study.A Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica (DPOC) é uma doença grave, incapacitante, apresentando teste de função pulmonar com anormalidades no fluxo expiratório, nesta denominação compreende a bronquite crônica e o enfisema pulmonar. A hidroterapia envolve terapia física com exercícios aquáticos e vem sendo utilizada por ser uma atividade agradável com resultados positivos. O objetivo deste estudo exploratório foi comparar o desempenho dos pacientes com DPOC tratados com hidroterapia associada à reabilitação pulmonar com aqueles tratados com a reabilitação pulmonar exclusiva, sendo realizado no centro de reabilitação cardiopulmonar do Hospital de Messejana, em Fortaleza – Ceará. A amostra constou de 10 pacientes, independentemente de sexo e idade, dividida aleatoriamente em dois grupos. O instrumento de avaliação foi o teste incremental de membros superiores, observando-se os seguintes parâmetros: freqüência cardíaca (FC), freqüência respiratória (f), dispnéia, cansaço de membros superiores, carga máxima alcançada e saturação de oxigênio (SatO2). Os parâmetros FC (p=0,04), f (p=0,046) e SatO2 (p=0,008) apresentaram melhora em média 33,33% acima daqueles dos pacientes que estavam apenas na Reabilitação Pulmonar. Os demais parâmetros avaliados também obtiveram melhoras, mas com o p>0,05. Conclui-se que os resultados obtidos com o tratamento da reabilitação pulmonar associado à hidroterapia superam aqueles encontrados somente com o tratamento da reabilitação, possibilitando aumento no condicionamento físico e melhora nas atividades funcionais; no entanto, pela casuística reduzida, novos trabalhos devem ser realizados para comprovação deste trabalho exploratório