Increased exercise performance in patients with severe COPD following inspiratory resistive training.

Six patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease underwent a six-week outpatient program to train their respiratory muscles with an inspiratory resistive device. Exercise performance was measured using a cycle ergometer. Maximum exercise capacity, represented by VO2 max, increased 15 percent. The maximum work rate increased 37 percent, and the minute ventilation attained during exercise increased 17 percent after training. Respiratory muscle endurance increased 56 percent. All patients reported an increased ability to perform the activities of daily living. No changes were reported in three patients who underwent sham training.