Effects of Rehabilitation on Muscle Fibre Composition and Capillaries in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients

Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Muscle Fibre Composition and Capillaries in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been established as an evidence-based and recommended therapy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of our study is to show a potential change in muscle fibre composition and in the amount of capillaries in quadriceps muscle from pre tob post 3-week rehabilitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation includes standardised exercise training, e.g. cycling and strength training for major muscle groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• FEV1%pred. < 50%

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute exacerbation
• exacerbation in the last 4 weeks