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Long-term effects of a maintenance program after supervised or self-monitored training programs in patients with COPD
L Puente-Maestu1, M Luisa Sánz, P Sánz
1Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Servicio de Neumología, Dr Ezquerdo 46, 28007 Madrid, Spain. lpuente@separ.es
Lung
|September 4, 2003
Summary
A 13-month maintenance program (MP) helped severe COPD patients maintain quality of life, but self-monitored exercise programs did not sustain physiological improvements in exercise tolerance.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Rehabilitation
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Severe COPD patients often experience reduced exercise tolerance.
- Leg exercise training (LET) can improve exercise capacity in COPD.
- Maintenance programs (MP) are crucial for long-term benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a 13-month MP for severe COPD patients.
- To compare the long-term effects of supervised vs. self-monitored LET.
- To assess the impact of MP on exercise tolerance and quality of life.
Main Methods:
- 39 severe COPD patients (FEV1%pred 44±7%) participated.
- Two 8-week LET programs: supervised (S) and self-monitored (SM).
- A 13-month MP involving brisk walking (4 km/day, 4x/wk) followed LET.
Main Results:
- Supervised LET yielded higher maximal oxygen uptake and endurance time than SM LET.
- After MP, endurance time decreased in both groups but remained above baseline.
- Chronic Respiratory Diseases Questionnaire scores remained high in both groups post-MP.
- Long-term MP effects were independent of initial training strategy or physiological gains.
Conclusions:
- Maintenance programs can sustain quality of life in severe COPD patients.
- Self-monitored exercise programs may not maintain physiological exercise tolerance improvements.
- Long-term benefits of MP are achievable regardless of initial training intensity or method.