Long-term effects of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme in outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomized controlled study.
Fifty patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (FEV1 < 50% pred.) were randomized to a rehabilitation group and a control group. The rehabilitation group took part in an individualized multidisciplinary, outpatient 12-month rehabilitation programme. Exercise training was intensive during the first 6 weeks and was then gradually replaced by an individual home-training programme and booster sessions. Controls received the usual outpatient care. Positive effects were found in terms of maximum symptom-limited exercise tolerance and walking distance (13.5 and 12.1% increase, respectively) in the rehabilitation group compared with the controls. Quality of life measurements showed minor beneficial effects on the Sickness Impact Profile, indicating a higher level of activity. No effect was seen on the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire or the Mood Adjective Check List. Patients expressed their enthusiasm for the rehabilitation programme in a study-specific questionnaire.
Engström
C P
CP
Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
Persson
L O
LO
Larsson
S
S
Sullivan
M
M
D000368:Aged; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010045:Outpatients / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D018579:Patient Selection; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors