Exercise conditioning in the rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Fifty-nine patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) performed pulmonary function and exercise tests before and after participation in a 12-day pulmonary rehabilitation inpatient program. Postdischarge follow-ups were performed at three months. Training consisted of twice daily aerobic exercise of 30 to 40 minutes' duration. Intensity of training was determined after exercise testing and approached the maximal limits of ventilation. In general, the program failed to demonstrate significant changes in pulmonary function. Exceptions were mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25-75) (p less than .02) and peak flow rate (p less than .05). Evaluation of exercise capacity via maximal exercise testing yielded significant increases in caloric expenditure (p less than .001), peak exercise oxygen consumption (p less than .001), and work output (p less than .0001). Peak exercise ventilation increased significantly (p less than .005) due to an increase in tidal volume (p less than .002). Work efficiency improved with training, but the change was not statistically significant. Resting oxygen consumption and carbon dioxide production were decreased (p less than .05); tidal volume was increased (p less than .005). However, the significant increase noted in tidal volume did not alter minute ventilation. In general, the changes noted at 12 days were maintained at three months postdischarge. These data support the hypothesis that a short-term, in-hospital program of general exercise conditioning can improve work output, gas exchange, and mechanical efficiency without significantly affecting spirometric indices. These changes may translate into improved performance of activities of daily living and a sense of general well-being.