Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD: Effects of Two Aerobic Exercise Intensity in Patient-centered Outcomes

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in COPD: Effects of Two Aerobic Exercise Intensity in Patient-centered Outcomes - a Randomized Controlled Trial

Trial design: An equivalence/non-inferiority randomized controlled trial with parallel group design studied the effect of two aerobic exercise-training intensities in COPD patient-centered outcomes. Methods: Thirty-four COPD clinically stable patients stratified from mild to very severe GOLD stages, were blinded to 60 or 80%Wmax aerobic exercise training intensity in an outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program, between 2009-2010. Outcomes were assessed with St.George's respiratory questionnaire (primary outcome), Mahler dyspnea index, London Chest activity of daily living scale, 6-minute walk, constant load and incremental exercise tests. Patient's allocation sequence was computer-generated, with consignment in a safe deposit box.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinically stable COPD
• FEV1/FVC < 70%
• Exercise training medical referral

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unable to attend 3-times/week program
• Infectious disease
• Metastatic cancer
• Unstable heart disease
• Neuromusculoskeletal disorder
• Cognitive or psychiatric disorder