title: Peripheral muscle strength training in COPD: a systematic review.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Skeletal muscle weakness, and the associated impact on exercise tolerance, provides a strong theoretical rationale for strength training intervention for people with COPD.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this review was to examine systematically the current evidence for peripheral muscle strength training in people with COPD.
  
  
  METHODS
  Empirical trials and reviews relating to strength training in COPD were obtained by searching electronic databases and citation tracking, using the keywords of COPD with strength/resistance training and skeletal muscle. Two reviewers completed data extraction and quality assessment independently, using the PEDro (physiotherapy evidence database) scale and a checklist for review articles. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals were determined for empiric trials and metaanalysis used where appropriate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The search strategy yielded 13 articles (9 empirical trials and 4 reviews). Strength training was found to have strong evidence for improving upper body and leg strength. However, no strong evidence for strength training was found for other outcome measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research is required to investigate the effects of strength training on functional activities, such as balance, upper limb function, self care, and participation in daily life.
authors.affiliation: BPthy (Hons), Wodonga Regional Health Service, PO Box 156, Wodonga, VIC, 3689, Australia. simoshe@optusnet.com.au
authors.forename: Simone D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: O'Shea
authors.forename: Nicholas F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Paratz
mesh_terms: D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D007537:Isometric Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014891:Weight Lifting / Q000502:physiology*