Skeletal muscle function in COPD

Few effective therapies exist for patients with COPD. Rehabilitative therap y aimed at curing dysfunction of the peripheral muscles may be an appropria te addition to this short list. This review does the following: (1) present s evidence that skeletal muscle dysfunction is present in COPD patients; (2 ) considers the mechanisms of this dysfunction; (3) describes the role of e xercise training in correcting this disorder; and (4) speculates that anabo lic hormone supplementation may find a place in COPD therapy. Further resea rch will be necessary to refine these concepts.