Abstract: Abstract: Objective To study the effect of external diaphragm and abdominal muscle stimulation in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Ninety-six COPD patients with stable COPD diagnosed according to gold 2017 standard (FEV1＜ 50% of the predicted value) were selected as the research objects. Patients were randomly divided into drug treatment group (n=32), diaphragm stimulation group (n=34), diaphragm and abdominal muscle stimulation group (n=30). The drug treatment group received general respiratory exercise, health education and conventional drug therapy.The diaphragm stimulation group received external diaphragm pacemaker intervention while receiving conventional medication.The diaphragm and abdominal muscle stimulation group received the diaphragm and abdominal muscle stimulation at the same time during the drug therapy.The electrical stimulation intensity was 40 Hz, treatment time was 30 minutes and the whole treatment time was 20 days. Data of lung function (FEV1, FVC, MVV, PEF), 6MWD distance and bilateral diaphragm motion were monitored after 20 days. Results After 20 days of treatment, the activity of bilateral diaphragms was higher in the diaphragm and abdominal muscle stimulation group than that in the other two groups (P＜0.05).The activity of diaphragms was also higher in the diaphragm stimulation group than that in the drug treatment group (P＜0.05). Five lung function indexes of FEV1, FVC,MVV,PEF, and 6MWD were better in the diaphragm and abdominal muscle stimulation group than those in the other two groups (P＜0.05), and these five indexes were also better in the diaphragm stimulation group than those in the drug treatment group (P＜0.05). Conclusion Combined stimulation of diaphragm and abdominal muscles in vitro can be used as a new method to improve the lung function and quality of life of COPD patients.

Key words: pulmonary disease, chronicobstructive, respiratorymuscles, electric stimulation therapy, respiratory function tests, rehabilitation