Resistance arm training in patients with COPD: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
BACKGROUND
The study aimed to evaluate the effect of upper extremity resistance training for patients with COPD on dyspnea during activity of daily living (ADL), arm function, arm exercise capacity, muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQL).


METHODS
Patients were randomly assigned to an intervention or control group. The intervention group underwent arm resistance training. The control group performed a sham. Both groups exercised three times a week for 6 weeks. Dyspnea during ADL and HRQL were measured using the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ). Arm function and exercise capacity were measured using the 6-min pegboard and ring test (6PBRT) and the unsupported upper limb exercise test (UULEX), respectively. Muscle strength for the biceps, triceps, and anterior and middle deltoids was obtained using an isometric dynamometer.


RESULTS
Thirty-six patients with COPD (66 ± 9 years) participated in the study. Compared with the control group, the magnitude of change in the intervention group was greater for the 6PBRT (P = .03), UULEX (P = .01), elbow flexion force (P = .01), elbow extension force (P = .02), shoulder flexion force (P = .029), and shoulder abduction force (P = .01). There was no between-group difference in dyspnea during ADL, HRQL, or symptoms during the 6PBRT or UULEX (all P values > .08).


CONCLUSIONS
Resistance-based arm training improved arm function, arm exercise capacity, and muscle strength in patients with COPD. No improvement in dyspnea during ADL, HRQL, or symptoms was demonstrated.
Janaudis-Ferreira
Tania
T
Department of Respiratory Medicine, West Park Healthcare Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada.
Hill
Kylie
K
Goldstein
Roger S
RS
Robles-Ribeiro
Priscila
P
Beauchamp
Marla K
MK
Dolmage
Thomas E
TE
Wadell
Karin
K
Brooks
Dina
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D053581:Muscle Strength Dynamometer; D011446:Prospective Studies; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome