[Physiotherapy in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with and without mask training]

16 patients with chronic obstructive lung disease were randomized into two groups which were treated with physiotherapy for six weeks. In one group the treatment also involved using a respiratory training mask. Six patients in both groups completed the study. Both groups experienced an improvement for most parameters. The study showed that physiotherapeutic treatment with physical training improved the patients working capacity. However, the treatment with a mask gave no significant additional effect. 46 outpatients who were treated with a mask were asked later if they still used the mask. Only 28% used it regularly and 35% had stopped using the mask because they did not feel any effect.