Linzy Houchen, Michael C. Steiner and Sally J. Singh
The objective of this study was to examine whether the benefits from strength training are sustained after an initial training period in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Criteria for inclusion in this review were that study participants had COPD, undertook an intervention that included strength training, had a period of follow-up (?12 weeks) after strength training and a measure of muscle strength taken at this time. Only three eligible studies were identified. Two studies found that the benefits from strength training were still evidential at 12 weeks and 12 months after an initial 12-week and 6-month training period, respectively. The other study found no difference between the control and training groups 12 weeks after a 12-week training intervention.
Despite this extensive search of the literature only three articles were identified, therefore, the long-term effects of strength training remain unknown. However the results of these studies suggest a beneficial effect of strength training for COPD patients.
Physiotherapy, 95(1), 1-7