Indications for and limitations of exercise training in patients with intermittent claudication

BACKGROUND: The selection of candidates for exercise training among patients with intermittent claudication is still a matter of debate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients with intermittent claudication due to arteriosclerosis obliterans were tested. Forty-six patients were men and 3 were women, with an average age of 65 years (range, 46 to 76 years). The patients walked on a treadmill at 2.4 km/h on a 12% upgrade followed by an appropriate period of rest for 30 minutes twice a day during a 3-week hospitalization. Programs were individualized for each patient. Four parameters were assessed after exercise training: (1) Ankle-brachial index (ABI) at rest, (2) Fall in ABI after 40 m of treadmill walking (ABI Fall 40), (3) the recovery time (RT 40) required for the ABI to return to resting levels after 40 m of walking, and (4) the maximal walking distance (MWD) on the treadmill. RESULTS: The average ABI at rest before the 3-week training period was 0.60 +/- 0.02 (mean +/- SE), and after training it was 0.62 +/- 0.02. There was a small although not statistically significant increase in the ABI after training. This increase in the ABI did not exceed 0.21. The average ABI Fall 40 before training was 0.36 +/- 0.01, and after training it was 0.30 +/- 0.02. The average RT 40 before training was 9.9 +/- 0.8 min, and after training it was 6.2 +/- 0.6 min. There were significant decreases in the ABI Fall 40 and RT 40 after training (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001, respectively). The MWD increased after training in 48 of the 49 patients. The average MWD increased from 134 +/- 13 m to 226 +/- 32 m after training (p < 0.001). The occlusion levels did not influence the results as training effects and hemodynamic parameters. Fourteen of 49 patients desired arterial reconstruction after exercise training. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with shorter RT 40's before training achieved greater increases in the MWD after training. In patients with an RT 40 under 12 min, exercise training is indicated. However, there is some discrepancy between the increase in MWD and the degree of satisfaction in individual patients.     

Endurance and strength training in patients with COPD

STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of endurance training only to endurance plus strength (combined) training in a randomized trial of patients with COPD. METHODS: Twenty-four patients completed the study: 11 patients in the combined training group (FEV(1) 45 +/- 5% predicted), and 13 patients in the endurance training group (FEV(1) 40 +/- 4% predicted) [mean +/- SE]. Muscle strength, quality of life, exercise performance, and quadriceps fatigability were measured before and after rehabilitation. RESULTS: Combined training led to significant improvements in quadriceps (23.6%), hamstring (26.7), pectoralis major (17.5%), and latissimus dorsi (20%) muscle strength. Endurance training alone did not produce significant improvements in muscle strength: quadriceps (1.1% decrease), hamstring (12.2% increase), pectoralis major (7.8% increase), and latissimus dorsi (2.8% decrease). The increase in strength after training was significantly greater in the combined group compared to the endurance group for the quadriceps and latissimus dorsi muscles but not for the hamstring and pectoralis major muscles. Six-minute walk distance, endurance exercise time, and quality of life (as measured by the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire) significantly increased in both groups after rehabilitation with no significant differences in the extent of improvement between groups. The extent of improvement in quadriceps fatigability after training (assessed by quadriceps twitch force before and after exercise) was not significantly different between groups. CONCLUSION: Strength training can lead to significant improvement in muscle strength in elderly patients with COPD. However, this improvement in muscle strength does not translate into additional improvement in quality of life, exercise performance or quadriceps fatigability compared to that achieved by endurance exercise alone.     

计算机辅助认知训练对脑损伤患者认知功能和抑郁的影响

目的观察计算机辅助的认知训练对脑损伤患者认知功能和抑郁的影响。方法采用单盲方法,选择脑损伤后18d至1年,有认知功能障碍和抑郁症状的患者46例,随机分为计算机辅助训练组（26例）和传统康复训练组（20例）。所有患者均接受传统康复训练（Bobath、Brunnstrom等神经发育促进技术,2次／d,30～40min／次）和药物治疗。同时给予辅助训练组患者计算机辅助认知训练,30min／次,2次／d。训练时间均为5周。认知功能判断采用神经行为认知功能检查量表（NCSE）和画钟试验,并结合临床判定;抑郁状态评定采用汉密尔顿抑郁量表（HAMD,〉8分为抑郁）。结果训练前,辅助训练组与传统康复训练组NCSE量表的定向能力、专注能力、语言能力、记忆能力、计算能力、推理能力、结构组织能力评分,画钟试验评分及HAMD评分,差异均无统计学意义,P〉0．05。①训练后,两组NCSE量表各项评分及画钟试验评分均较训练前提高（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）;与传统康复训练组比较,辅助训练组除结构组织能力外,NCSE其他各项评分及画钟试验评分均提高,差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05或P〈0．01）。②训练后,辅助训练组HAMD评分较训练前显著降低（P〈0．01）,传统康复训练组无明显改变;辅助训练组HAMD评分较传统康复训练组下降（P〈0．05）。结论计算机辅助的认知训练能够改善脑损伤患者认知功能障碍,并使抑郁症状得到改善。     

Supervised and home-based exercise training for patients with intermittent claudication

Home-based exercise training, applied as the primary treatment in patients with intermittent claudication, has produced inconsistent effects on walking capacity in previous published studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether a home-based exercise training program could maintain improved walking capacity and other functional variables achieved through a supervised exercise training program. The present design was a 48-week self-controlled study. The first 12-week period was a control stage in which no prescribed exercise program was provided, the second 12-week period was a supervised treadmill-walking training program and the following 24-week period was a home-based exercise program. Twenty-two subjects with intermittent claudication were recruited initially; 15 of them (14 men and one woman) completed the whole program. Walking capacity, peak oxygen uptake, walking economy and ankle-brachial index were measured at baseline and at 12, 24 and 48 weeks. There was no significant change in the measured variables after the control stage. The 12-week supervised treadmill-walking training program significantly increased pain-free walking time, maximal walking time and peak oxygen uptake. Walking economy was also significantly improved. These improvements were successfully maintained after 24 weeks of home-based training. The results indicated that 12 weeks of supervised treadmill-walking training followed by a home-based training program is an effective model of exercise rehabilitation for patients with intermittent claudication.     

Exercise training in patients with heart failure: clinical outcomes,safety, and indications

Heart failure (HF) patients are often counseled to limit their physical activity, however, this advice may not be appropriate. Data has accumulated supporting the effectiveness of exercise training to improve fitness levels and symptoms. There are also data suggesting that training may reduce mortality and morbidity in HF patients. Studies have demonstrated that exercise training can be performed safely in appropriately evaluated HF patients. The literature would support the prescribing of exercise training to NYHA II–III HF patients. Consideration could also be given to training stable NYHA IV HF patients who are not symptomatic at rest. This article reviews the effects of exercise training on clinical outcomes and addressing the safety of exercise training and the indications for training in HF patients.     

Physical training and testing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction: The effects of different training modes need to be investigated further in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Both advanced laboratory tests and field tests are used in patients with COPD to evaluate effects of interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation. Aims: The overall aims of the studies were to investigate the effects of different training modalities on exercise capacity and on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with moderate or severe COPD and, further, to explore two of the physical field tests used in pulmonary rehabilitation, the 12‐min walk test and the incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT). Materials and Methods: Patients with moderate or severe COPD were included. In study I (n = 57), the 12‐min walk test was performed three times within 1 week. Exercise‐induced hypoxemia (EIH) was assessed by pulse oximeter and was defined as SpO₂ < 90%. In study II (n = 93), performance on ISWT was compared to performance on two different cycle tests. In study III (n = 42), the effects of two different combination training programmes were compared when training twice a week for 8 weeks. One programme was mainly based on endurance training (group A), and the other was based on resistance training and on callisthenics (group B). In study IV (n = 60), endurance training with interval resistance was compared to endurance training with continuous resistance. Results: In study I, the 12‐min walking distance (12MWD) did not increase on retesting in patients with EIH, but increased significantly on retesting in the non‐EIH patients. In study II, the ISWT was as good a predictor of peak exercise capacity (W peak) as peak oxygen uptake (VO₂ peak) was. In study III, W peak and 12MWD increased in group A but not in group B. HRQoL, anxiety and depression were unchanged in both groups. Ratings of perceived exertion at rest were significantly lower in group A than in group B after training and during 12 months of follow‐up. Twelve months post training, 12MWD was back to baseline in group A, but was significantly shorter than at baseline in group B. Patients with moderate and severe COPD responded to training in the same way. In study IV, both interval and continuous endurance training increased W peak, VO₂ peak, peak exhaled carbon dioxide (VCO₂ peak) and 12MWD. Likewise, HRQoL, dyspnoea during activities of daily life, anxiety and depression improved similarly in both groups. At a fixed, sub‐maximal workload (isotime), the interval training reduced oxygen cost and ventilatory demand significantly more than the continuous training did. Conclusions: EIH affects the retest effects on 12MWD. W peak can be predicted from an ISWT similarly well as from VO₂ peak. A short training programme can improve W peak and 12MWD when based mainly on endurance training. Both patients with moderate and severe COPD respond to training in the same way. A short endurance training intervention can possibly delay decline in 12MWD for 1 year. Both interval and continuous endurance training improves physical performance and HRQoL. Interval training lowers the energy cost of sub‐maximal work more than continuous training does.     

Exercise performance and training in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators and coronary heart disease

The aim of this preliminary study was to compare exercise performance and the effect of exercise training in cardiac patients with and without an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). There are few data on exercise performance and on the effect of exercise training in patients with an ICD. Data in patients with an ICD (n = 8) were compared with those from a matched control group (n = 16). Patients performed maximal cycle-ergometer testing before and after 3 months of exercise training. All patients had to stop the exercise test for reasons of exhaustion. The predetermined heart rate threshold in ICD patients, set at the detection rate of the ICD minus 30 beats/min, was not reached. Before training, peak oxygen uptake was not different in the ICD patients compared with the control group (21.0 +/- 6.9 vs 21.9 +/- 5.0 ml oxygen standard temperature pressure dry/min/kg). Exercise training increased peak oxygen uptake to a similar extent in both groups, 20% and 24%, respectively. One ICD patient developed uneventful ventricular tachycardia at the end of the post-training exercise test, and another during training. Thus, exercise performance and the favorable response to a 3-month exercise training program are comparable in patients with ICD and matched control patients. However, tachyarrhythmias may occur during exercise testing or training and require special attention. Selected patients with ICD can be encouraged to participate in medically supervised exercise training programs. The results of this study should be confirmed with additional studies on larger numbers of subjects.     

Comparison of effects of strength and endurance training in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We determined the effect of different exercise training modalities in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including strength training (n = 17), endurance training (n = 16), and combined strength and endurance (n = 14) (half of the endurance and half of the strengthening exercises). Data were compared at baseline, the end of the 12-week exercise-training program, and 12 weeks later. Improvement in the walking distance was only significant in the strength group. Increases in submaximal exercise capacity for the endurance group were significantly higher than those observed in the strength group but were of similar magnitude than those in the combined training modality, which in turn were significantly higher than for the strength group. Increases in the strength of the muscle groups measured in five weight lifting exercises were significantly higher in the strength group than in the endurance group but were of similar magnitude than in the combined training group, which again showed significantly higher increases than subjects in the endurance group. Any training modality showed significant improvements of the breathlessness score and the dyspnea dimension of the chronic respiratory questionnaire. In conclusion, the combination of strength and endurance training seems an adequate training strategy for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.     

Exercise performance and training in cardiac patients with atrial fibrillation

PURPOSE: Exercise training in cardiac patients with chronic atrial fibrillation (AF) has received little attention in the literature. Therefore, this study compared exercise performance and the effect of an exercise training program over a period of 3 months in patients with and without AF. METHODS: Data in patients with AF (n = 19) were compared with a control group of patients in sinus rhythm (n = 44), drawn from a database of 2,116 patients. Patients performed a maximal exercise test on the bicycle until exhaustion before and after an ambulatory exercise training program where exercise training was offered 3 times a week for 3 months. RESULTS: Before training, peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was significantly lower in patients with AF compared with the control group (1271 +/- 368 versus 1496 +/- 414 mL/min, P < 0.05). Exercise training significantly increased peak VO2 in both groups (+31%, P < 0.001 in AF and +25%, P < 0.001 in the control group). The gain in peak VO2 did not significantly differ between both groups. A significant decrease in resting heart rate was achieved in both groups after exercise training. AF was also a significant and independent determinant of peak VO2 in the total database, but not of the change in peak VO2. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training significantly improves exercise performance in cardiac patients with AF. AF affects exercise performance but does not impair the beneficial effects of training. Patients with chronic AF should therefore not be dissuaded from participating in exercise training after a cardiac event.     

Effects of testosterone and resistance training in men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Dysfunction of the muscles of ambulation contributes to exercise intolerance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Men with COPD have high prevalence of low testosterone levels, which may contribute to muscle weakness. We determined effects of testosterone supplementation (100 mg of testosterone enanthate injected weekly) with or without resistance training (45 minutes three times weekly) on body composition and muscle function in 47 men with COPD (mean FEV(1) = 40% predicted) and low testosterone levels (mean = 320 ng/dl). Subjects were randomized to 10 weeks of placebo injections + no training, testosterone injections + no training, placebo injections + resistance training, or testosterone injections + resistance training. Testosterone injections yielded a mean increase of 271 ng/dl in the nadir serum testosterone concentration (to the middle of the normal range for young men). The lean body mass (by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) increase averaged 2.3 kg with testosterone alone and 3.3 kg with combined testosterone and resistance training (p < 0.001). Increase in one-repetition maximum leg press strength averaged 17.2% with testosterone alone, 17.4% with resistance training alone, and 26.8% with testosterone + resistance training (p < 0.001). Interventions were well tolerated with no abnormalities in safety measures. Further studies are required to determine long-term benefits of adding testosterone supplementation and resistance training to rehabilitative programs for carefully screened men with COPD and low testosterone levels.     

Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training in women with early or longstanding rheumatoid arthritis: comparison with healthy subjects

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of a 21-week concurrent strength and endurance training protocol on physical fitness profile in women with early or longstanding rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with healthy subjects. METHODS: Twenty-three female patients with RA volunteered for the study. Twelve had early RA and eleven had longstanding RA. Twelve healthy women served as controls. Maximal strength of different muscle groups was measured by dynamometers, walking speed with light cells, and vertical squat jump on the force platform to mirror explosive force. Maximal oxygen uptake was measured by gas analyzer. Six training sessions (3 strength training and 3 endurance training) were carried out in a 2-week period for 21 weeks. RESULTS: The training led to large gains in maximal strength both in women with RA and in healthy women (P < 0.043-0.001). The strength gains were accompanied by increases in walking speed (P < 0.034-0.001) and vertical squat jump (P < 0.034-0.001). Significant improvements also occurred in maximal aerobic capacity in all groups (P < 0.023-0.014). CONCLUSIONS: Both early and longstanding RA patients with stable disease can safely improve all characteristics of their physical fitness profile using a progressive concurrent strength and endurance training protocol.     

Inspiratory muscle training combined with general exercise reconditioning in patients with COPD.

We compared, in a controlled clinical trial, the effect of specific inspiratory muscle training combined with general exercise reconditioning, for six months, with that of general exercise reconditioning alone on inspiratory muscle strength, endurance, and exercise performance in patients with COPD. Thirty-six patients were recruited into three groups; 12 patients received specific inspiratory muscle training combined with general exercise reconditioning, 12 patients underwent general exercise reconditioning alone, and the remaining 12 patients received no training. Specific inspiratory muscle training, for six months, improved the inspiratory muscle strength and endurance in patients with COPD. This training combined with general exercise reconditioning also provided improvement in exercise tolerance, and this improvement was significantly greater than that of general exercise reconditioning alone.     

Compliance and satisfaction with a comprehensive falls intervention programme

IntroductionFalls intervention programs can reduce falls risk, but the programs often include comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures that might be too strenuous for frail old persons.PurposeThe aim of this study was to explore old people's perception and satisfaction with a comprehensive falls intervention programme. The study was planned to assess self-perceived benefit and not objective benefit as, for example, reduction in falls.Materials and methodsOne hundred and sixty geriatric patients who had been through a comprehensive falls prevention program were contacted by telephone and asked to participate in an interview in order to explore their satisfaction and compliance with the program.ResultsFifty-nine patients were lost to follow-up. One hundred and one patients participated in the interview. Only one patient found the examination programme too comprehensive. Generally patients complied well with advice on physical training, when it was offered as part of hospital treatment (100% compliance) or offered in the municipality (73% compliance). The amount and intensity of training offered was perceived as satisfactory by 65%, whereas 27% wished more training than they were offered. Benefit of training was reported by 82% of patients trained in hospital or municipal facilities, whereas 74% reported benefit of a home-based programme. Only 4,2% perceived the training programme as too strenuous. To attend training, 71% reported the need for transport assistance.Discussion and conclusionFrail geriatric patients perceive benefit from, comply and are overall satisfied with a comprehensive falls examination and intervention program. Non-compliance may be due to simple technical barriers like lack of transport facilities. To attend training, the majority needs assistance with transport.     

Spaced-Retrieval with Probable Alzheimer's

Abstract

Four older adults with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) were trained to recall everyday objects using the spaced-retrieval technique. Two persons who had participated in a previous spaced-retrieval training program were retested here to provide new evidence on the long-term effectiveness of the training. Two others who had not been tested previously served as controls. Spaced-retrieval training consisted of six-hour-long sessions given on alternate days over a two-week period. On each trial, participants selected a designated object from an array of items at increasingly longer retention intervals. All participants showed positive effects of spaced-retrieval training across sessions, as reflected in fewer errors per trial and longer retention duration across sessions. There was little evidence of long-term effects of spaced-retrieval training in that the original and control participants performed comparably. Implications of these results for the long-term maintenance of memory training programs are discussed.     

Comparison of Effects of Endurance and Strength Training Programs in Patients with COPD

ABSTRACT

Comparisons between endurance and strength training in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients have produced equivocal findings when examining physical function and health-related quality of life (HRQL). One reason for these differences may be due to individual patient responses to the different training modalities. PURPOSE: To compare changes in physical function and HRQL in a group of COPD patients completing both an endurance and a strength training program. METHODS: Eleven mildly diseased patients completed a three month endurance training program and, approximately 5 years later, completed a three month strength training program. Changes in 6 minute walk distance (6 MW), time to rise from a chair five times (CRT), and the total score and subscores from the SF-36 and Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRQ) were examined. RESULTS: The forced expiratory volume as a percent of predicted remained relatively constant over the 5 years (61.1 ± 5.9 vs. 60.0 ± 10.3). Endurance and strength training increased 6 MW by 48.2 ± 11.2 (p = 0.008) and 39.8 ± 9.8 (p = 0.001) meters, respectively. Endurance and strength training decreased CRT by 4.8 ± 0.7 (p = 0.001) and 1.3 ± 1.2 (p = 0.056) seconds, respectively. Endurance training resulted in greater improvements in HRQL as compared to strength training. CONCLUSION: These results show that walk distance improves as a result of participating in either an endurance or a strength training program. However, an endurance training program leads to greater improvements in both general and disease specific measures of HRQL.     

Regular exercise and reduction of breathlessness in patients with cystic fibrosis

The influence of regular exercise on breathlessness and its relationship to ventilation has not been studied previously. We have examined the effects of a training programme on eight patients (5 males, 3 females, mean age 20 years, range 17-27 years) with cystic fibrosis. Eleven minutes of exercise was undertaken each day for 2 months according to the Royal Canadian Air Force protocol. Daily diary cards were kept and the programme was supervised. Pulmonary function and responses to maximal exercise on bicycle ergometer were determined before and after completion of the training schedule. Breathlessness was assessed using visual analogue scales (VAS) and related to ventilation during submaximal exercise on two occasions prior to training, and at the end. Apart from a reduced RV (pre 1.90 +/- 1.11, post 1.20 +/- 0.28 P less than 0.05), all other indices of pulmonary function and exercise performance were unchanged. Before training the relationship of breathlessness to ventilation was highly reproducible for each patient. After training there was a statistically significant reduction in breathlessness but ventilation was unchanged. At a mean standardized ventilation of 31.6 litres/min the VAS scales were 26.7% pre- and 12.9% post-training (P less than 0.01). Breathlessness can be favourably influenced by exercise training independent of ventilation with a consequent improvement in submaximal exercise tolerance in patients with cystic fibrosis.     

烧伤合并吸入性肺损伤患者应用间歇性有氧运动和交互式训练的临床研究

目的 探讨间歇有氧运动联合交互式训练模式对烧伤合并吸入性肺损伤患者的疗效.方法 选择2018年5月至2019年6月我院接受康复治疗的烧伤并吸入性肺损伤患者80例,随机平均分为观察组和对照组;观察组采用间歇有氧运动联合交互式训练模式进行康复,对照组仅采用交互式训练模式进行康复;3个月后比较两组患者肺功能、运动心肺功能、肌...     

瘫痪患者使用电动站立床训练致体位性低血压的原因及对策

目的：探讨瘫痪患者使用电动站立床训练出现体位性低血压（OH）的原因及对策。方法：回顾性分析2011年1月至2012年4月在我院使用电动站立床训练时出现0H的16例的原因并总结防治措施。结果：引起电动站立床训练时出现体位性低血压的原因依次为：尿潴留（43．75％）,70岁以上高龄（43．75％）;站立床角度上升过快（25％）,使用降压药物（12．5％）,精神紧张（6．25％）。结论：电动站立床训练前做好解释工作,减轻焦虑;选择恰当的训练时间,循序渐进增加电动站立床的角度;特别是对于高龄患者,可减少瘫痪患者电动站立床训练时的体位低血压。     

Changes in erythrocyte sodium and plasma lipids associated with physical training

The intracellular concentrations and transmembrane fluxes of Na+ and K+ in erythrocytes, and plasma lipids were investigated in 30 middle-aged volunteers, before and after physical training. During the first 4 months of the study, half of the subjects (group A) were subjected to a training programme (3 h/week), while the others (group B) served as controls. At the end of the control period the group B subjects also underwent a period of training. At the end of the training, in both experimental groups, the intra-erythrocyte Na+ concentration was decreased (P less than 0.001); the magnitude of this decrease was related to the increase achieved in physical working capacity (r = -0.44; P less than 0.05). After training the activity of the erythrocyte Na+-Li+ counter-transport system was decreased (P less than 0.001) in both groups, whereas Na+,K+ cotransport activity was increased (P less than 0.001). The training intervention did not affect erythrocyte ouabain-sensitive 86Rb uptake, or the calculated rate constant for ouabain-sensitive Na+ efflux. Furthermore, the plasma concentrations of high density lipoproteins (HDL)2- and HDL3-cholesterol (P less than 0.001) markedly increased in both groups during the training period. However, these changes were not significantly correlated with the observed training-induced changes in erythrocyte transmembrane cationic fluxes. It is concluded that physical training decreases intra-erythrocyte Na+ concentration. No significant associations between training-induced changes in plasma lipids and erythrocyte sodium balance could be demonstrated.     

Two different training programmes for patients with COPD: a randomised study with 1-year follow-up

PURPOSE: To compare the effects on exercise capacity and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of two exercise programmes; one programme including endurance training and one including only resistance training and callisthenics. A second purpose was to find out whether the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affected the training response and whether the interventions had a long-term effect. METHODS: Sixty-three patients were stratified according to severity of COPD and randomised to two training groups. Group A had a mixed programme including endurance training. Group B had resistance training and callisthenics. All trained twice weekly for 8 weeks. A symptom-limited ergometer test, 12-min walking test, dynamic spirometry, blood gas analysis at rest and HRQoL were measured before and after the training period. Follow-up tests were conducted at 6 and 12 months after training. RESULTS: Forty-two patients fulfilled the trial. In group A (n=20) peak exercise capacity increased by 7W (P<0.001) and 12-min walking distance (12MWD) by 50 m (P<0.01), whereas group B (n=22) did not change in any of these variables. HRQoL did not change significantly in either group. Training response was similar in patients with moderate and severe disease. One year post-training 12MWD had returned to pre-training level in group A, and below pre-training level in group B (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise capacity in patients with severe and moderate COPD improved by intensive endurance training, two sessions a week for 8 weeks. The improvement was however small and HRQoL did not improve. Severity of illness did not affect response to training. The results indicated that the effects of a short endurance training intervention slowed down decline in baseline functional exercise capacity for 1 year.