Carl-Peter Engström, Lars-Olof Persson, Sven Larsson and Marianne Sullivan
DOI: 10.1080/1650197731207213

Fifty patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (FEV1 ` 50% pred. ) were randomized to a rehabilitation group and a control group. The rehabilitation group took part in an individualized multidisciplinary, outpatient 12-month rehabilitation programme. Exercise training was intensive during the first 6 weeks and was then gradually replaced by an individual home-training programme and booster sessions. Controls received the usual outpatient care. Positive effects were found in terms of maximum symptom-limited exercise tolerance and walking distance (13. 5 and 12. 1% increase, respectively) in the rehabilitation group compared with the controls. Quality of life measurements showed minor beneficial effects on the Sickness Impact Profile, indicating a higher level of activity. No effect was seen on the St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire or the Mood Adjective Check List. Patients expressed their enthusiasm for the rehabilitation programme in a study-specific questionnaire