Effectiveness of Two Exercise Training Programs in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study intended to assess the effectiveness ten years later, after attending to a combined or aerobic exercise training program, in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. Methods: Twenty moderate COPD men, were randomized into two groups: ten patients (age-66.5±6.2 years) to a combined exercise training program (CETG), and ten (age-65.4±3.6 years) to an aerobic program (AETG), for 10W, 3xW. Outcome variables included cardiopulmonary function (cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and 6-min-walk-distance (6MWD), muscular strength (1-RM); and quality of life (HRQL) with SF-36 and SGRQ. Ten years later, both groups were compared with ten patients who weren’t submitted to exercise programs (CG), evaluating health service recurrence (HSR) and respiratory mortality. Results: Both exercise groups increased (p<.05) functional capacity (VO2peak: CETG-25±18%, AETG-26±25%); CPET time/power (CETG-42±30%, AETG-65±47%), 6MWD (CETG, 12±3%; AETG, 7±4%) and HRQL immediately after exercise, with greater benefits for the CETG (p<.05) in all variables. Ten years later, there were no differences between exercise groups on mortality and HSR. Between exercise groups and CG there were only significant differences on HSR. Conclusions: Combined exercise was more effective than aerobic with greater improvement in muscular strength, functional capacity and HRQL. Participation in exercise programs seems to reduce HSR at long-term follow-up.