Effect of Exercise Training on Salivary Immunoglobulin A in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Effect of Exercise Training on Salivary Immunoglobulin A in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The purpose of this study is to determine whether whole body exercise training alters the immunity in the lungs of people with COPD and reduces the incidence of chest infections over the longer term.

Patients will undertake an 8 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation program of exercise and education. Those who decline to take part in pulmonary rehabilitation will have the same outcome measures collected at the same timepoints.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of COPD (FEV1/FVC < 70), smoking Hx of minimum of 10 pack years

Exclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of asthma, bronchiectasis, attendance at pulmonary rehabilitation within last 12 months, exacerbation of COPD within last 4 weeks