[Exercise effort training for COPD: physiological basis and results].
BACKGROUND
In the last decade pulmonary rehabilitation has become a well accepted treatment for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) suffering from persistent dyspnea and fatigue, despite appropriate medical treatment.


BACKGROUND
Patients with COPD frequently have muscular dysfunction that can be corrected by appropriate exercise training programmes. Muscle function as measured by strength and endurance tests exercise capacity and also the health status and quality of life are improved by exercise and endurance training. However, integration of exercise training in a multidisciplinary management programme is necessary to take account of all aspects of the illness.


CONCLUSIONS
Methods of exercise training need to be adapted for patients with severe COPD who are unable to undertake endurance training and for patients who obtain little benefit.


CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary rehabilitation, thanks to its multidisciplinary nature, seems to be an effective modality of management for patients with COPD. However, the improvements in physical ability, quality of life and general health require an exercise training programme that is adapted for the individual patient.
Troosters
T
T
Département de Pneumologie, Unité de Recherche des Muscles Respiratoires, Division de Réadaptation Respiratoire, Hôpital Universitaire de Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgique. Thierry.troosters@med.kuleuveun.ac.be
Gayan-Ramirez
G
G
Pitta
F
F
Gosselin
N
N
Gosselink
R
R
Decramer
M
M
D001945:Breathing Exercises; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D006801:Humans; D010347:Patient Care Planning / Q000458:organization & administration; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration; D010807:Physical Endurance; D005082:Physical Exertion; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics; D012132:Respiratory Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome