DESIGN AND EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING REGIMENS IN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE LUNG-DISEASE

Abstract

Most patients with chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) show a favorable response to progressive endurance training. Symptomatology is reduced and effort tolerance is extended, but there is little change of pulmonary function scores. Possible explanations of the clinical gains include: psychological encouragement; improvements of mechanical efficiency; restoration of cardiovascular fitness, breaking a vicious circle of dyspnea, inactivity and worsening dyspnea; strengthening of the body musculature, reducing the proportion of anaerobic work; biochemical adaptations reducing glycolysis in the active tissues; and indirect responses to such factors as group support with advice on smoking habits, breathing patterns and bronchial hygiene. Despite immediate gains of performance, there is no reason to believe exercise can restore destroyed pulmonary tissue.