Cj. Clark et al., LOW-INTENSITY PERIPHERAL MUSCLE CONDITIONING IMPROVES EXERCISE TOLERANCE AND BREATHLESSNESS IN COPD, The European respiratory journal, 9(12), 1996, pp. 2590-2596
This randomized, controlled study investigated the physiological effec
ts of a specially designed 12 week programme of isolated conditioning
of peripheral skeletal muscle groups, The programme required minimal i
nfrastructure in order to allow continued rehabilitation at home after
familiarization within hospital. Forty eight patients, aged 40-72 yrs
with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (mean (SD) forced e
xpiratory volume in one second FEV1) 61 (27)% of predicted normal) wer
e randomly allocated into training (n=32) and control (n=16) groups. P
hysiological assessments were performed before and after the 12 week s
tudy period, and included peripheral muscle endurance and strength, wh
ole body endurance, maximal exercise capacity (maximum oxygen consumpt
ion ((VO2)-O-1,max)) and lung function. The training group showed sign
ificant improvement in a variety of measures of upper and lower periph
eral muscle performance, with no additional breathless ness. Whole bod
y endurance measured by free arm treadmill walking increased by 6,372
(3,932-8,812) J (p<0.001), Symptom-limited maximal (VO2)-O-1 was uncha
nged, However, the training group showed a reduction in ventilatory eq
uivalents for oxygen and carbon dioxide, both at peak exercise and at
equivalent work rate (Wmax). In summary, low intensity isolated periph
eral muscle conditioning is well-tolerated, simple and easy to perform
at home. The various physiological benefits should enable patients ac
ross the range of severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease to
improve daily functioning.