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Effects of resistance training on respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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Abstract

Purpose

Over the last decade, the potential use of resistance training (RT) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has gained increasing attention. Many COPD patients experience muscle dysfunction and reduced muscle mass, primarily as a result of chronic immobilization. These symptoms have been associated with reduced exercise tolerance and complaints of fatigue and dyspnea (even after minimal exertion). This paper presents findings from a systematic review that sought to: (1) present a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) investigating the effects of RT on respiratory function measures in patients with COPD and (2) investigate the existence of a dose–response relationship between intensity, duration and frequency of RT and assessed outcomes.

Methods

A systematic literature search of MEDLINE electronic database (January 1980 to December 2009) produced a body of research on the effects of RT with a control group in patients with COPD. Data analysis involved a random effects meta-analysis, in order to determine weighted mean differences with 95 confidence intervals (95% CI) for each endpoint. All data were analyzed with the software package Review Manager V 4.2.10 (of the Cochrane Collaboration); 14 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis.

Results

Findings demonstrated that RT did not substantially increase forced expiratory volume in 1 s. In addition, the weighted mean difference was 2.71% of predicted (95% CI, −1.86 to 7.27; p = 0.25) or by absolute 0.08 L (95% CI, −0.03 to 0.19; p = 0.14). It appeared that maximum minute ventilation increased by 3.77 L/min (95% CI, −0.51 to 8.04; p = 0.08).

Conclusions

Based on findings from the meta-analysis, RT produces a clinically and statistically significant effect on respiratory function (such as forced vital capacity) and is therefore recommended in the management of COPD.

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Conflict of interest statement

No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this systematic review. The authors have no conflicts of interest that are directly relevant to the content of this systematic review.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Nutritional Sciences and Physiology, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Eduard Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1, 6060, Hall in Tirol, Austria

    Barbara Strasser

  2. Department of Public Health, Information Systems and Health Technology Assessment, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Hall in Tirol, Austria

    Uwe Siebert

  3. Institute for Sports Medicine, Alpine Medicine and Health Tourism, University for Health Sciences, Medical Informatics and Technology, Eduard Wallnöfer-Zentrum 1, 6060, Hall in Tirol, Austria

    Wolfgang Schobersberger

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  1. Barbara Strasser
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  2. Uwe Siebert
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  3. Wolfgang Schobersberger
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Correspondence to Barbara Strasser.

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Strasser, B., Siebert, U. & Schobersberger, W. Effects of resistance training on respiratory function in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Breath 17, 217–226 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-012-0676-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11325-012-0676-4

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