"Medicine, Faculty of"@en . "Physical Therapy, Department of"@en . "Other UBC"@en . "Non UBC"@en . "DSpace"@en . "International Journal of COPD 2012; 7:297-320."@en . "Reid, Wendy Darlene"@en . "Yamabayashi, Cristiane"@en . "Goodridge, Donna"@en . "Chung, Frank"@en . "Hunt, Michael A."@en . "Marciniuk, Darcy D."@en . "Brooks, Dina"@en . "Chen, Yi-Wen"@en . "Hoens, Alison"@en . "Camp, Pat"@en . "2015-01-14T16:07:31Z"@en . "2012-05-16"@en . "The prescription of physical activity for hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) can be complicated by the presence of comorbidities. The current research aimed to synthesize the relevant literature on the benefits of exercise for people with multimorbidities who experience an AECOPD, and ask: What are the parameters and outcomes of exercise in AECOPD and in conditions that are common comorbidities as reported by systematic reviews (SRs)?"@en . "https://circle.library.ubc.ca/rest/handle/2429/51900?expand=metadata"@en . "\u00C2\u00A9 2012 Reid et al, publisher and licensee Dove Medical Press Ltd. This is an Open Access article which permits unrestricted noncommercial use, provided the original work is properly cited.International Journal of COPD 2012:7 297\u00E2\u0080\u0093320International Journal of COPDExercise prescription for hospitalized people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and comorbidities: a synthesis of systematic reviewsW Darlene Reid1,2Cristiane Yamabayashi1Donna Goodridge3Frank Chung4Michael A Hunt1Darcy D Marciniuk5Dina Brooks6Yi-Wen Chen1Alison M Hoens1,7Pat G Camp1,21Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 2Institute of Heart and Lung Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, 3College of Nursing, University of Saskatchewan, 4Physiotherapy, Burnaby Hospital, Fraser Health, British Columbia, 5Division of Respirology, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, 6Department of Physical Therapy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, 7Providence Health Care, Vancouver, BC, CanadaCorrespondence: W Darlene Reid Muscle Biophysics Laboratory, Rm 617-828 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1M9, Canada Tel +1 604 875 4111 ext 66056 Fax +1 604 822 1870 Email darlene.reid@ubc.caIntroduction: The prescription of physical activity for hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) can be complicated by the presence of comorbidities. The current research aimed to synthesize the relevant literature on the benefits of exercise for people with multimorbidities who experience an AECOPD, and ask: What are the parameters and outcomes of exercise in AECOPD and in conditions that are common comorbidities as reported by systematic reviews (SRs)?Methods: An SR was performed using the Cochrane Collaboration protocol. Nine electronic databases were searched up to July 2011. Articles were included if they (1) described partici-pants with AECOPD, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or one of eleven common comorbidities, (2) were an SR, (3) examined aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), balance training (BT), or a combination thereof, (4) included at least one outcome of fitness, and (5) compared exercise training versus control/sham.Results: This synthesis examined 58 SRs of exercise training in people with AECOPD, COPD, or eleven chronic conditions commonly associated with COPD. Meta-analyses of endurance (aerobic or exercise capacity, 6-minute walk distance \u00E2\u0080\u0093 6MWD) were shown to significantly improve in most conditions (except osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and depression), whereas strength was shown to improve in five of the 13 conditions searched: COPD, older adults, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes. Several studies of different conditions also reported improvements in quality of life, function, and control or prevention outcomes. Meta-analyses also demonstrate that exercise training decreases the risk of mortality in older adults, and those with COPD or ischemic heart disease. The most common types of training were AT and RT. BT and functional training were commonly applied in older adults. The quality of the SRs for most conditions was moderate to excellent (.65%) as evaluated by AMSTAR scores.Conclusion: In summary, this synthesis showed evidence of significant benefits from exercise training in AECOPD, COPD, and conditions that are common comorbidities. A broader approach to exercise and activity prescription in pulmonary rehabilitation may induce therapeutic benefits to ameliorate clinical sequelae associated with AECOPD and comorbidities such as the inclusion of BT and functional training.Keywords: pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive, comorbidity, exercise, physical fitnessIntroductionChronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the fifth leading cause of death in the world and the mortality rate is expected to increase more than 30% during the next 10 years.1 Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are common and are a key predictor of increased morbidity, health care costs, and mortality. The Global Initiative for Lung Disease (GOLD)1 defines a COPD exacerbation as \u00E2\u0080\u009Can event in Dovepresssubmit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress 297R E V I E Wopen access to scientific and medical researchOpen Access Full Text Articlehttp://dx.doi.org/10.2147/COPD.S29750International Journal of COPD 2012:7the natural course of the disease characterized by a change in the patient\u00E2\u0080\u0099s baseline dyspnea, cough and/or sputum that is beyond normal day-to-day variation, is acute in onset, and may warrant a change in regular medication in a patient with underlying COPD\u00E2\u0080\u009D. Most patients with COPD have at least one exacerbation per year; a substantial proportion of patients (17%) have three or more episodes per year.2,3Many exacerbations of COPD are managed on an outpatient basis, but if the patient is hospitalized, the length of stay (LOS) is prolonged: the median LOS in Canadian hospitals is 13 days,4 which translates to an estimated cost of CAD$9500 per hospitalization.5 Premature discharge result-ing in shorter LOS, however, is associated with increased readmission and mortality.6Hospitalization to treat acute illness can have a detrimental effect on muscle performance.7 Muscle impair-ment and functional decline have been well-documented in older hospitalized patients, and have been attributed to the consequences of hospitalization rather than the admitting illness.8\u00E2\u0080\u009311 In a previous study on 1181 hospitalized patients with acute medical illnesses (circulatory, 27%; respiratory, 20%; gastrointestinal, 15%; cancer, 6%), 17% of patients required assistance with mobility on discharge, despite being able to walk independently prior to admission.12 Pitta et al reported that patients who are hospitalized with an acute exacerbation of COPD spend the majority of their time sitting, and do not return to their baseline level of activity even after 1 month post-discharge.13Caring for hospitalized patients with AECOPD can be complicated by the presence of other chronic conditions, which can also influence the severity of the exacerbation and the health outcomes of the patient. Individuals with COPD have a higher risk of multimorbidity14\u00E2\u0080\u009327 (Table 1) than indi-viduals with other chronic illnesses. Despite this, there has been widespread failure to address the complexities inher-ent in living with multiple chronic illnesses simultaneously, especially in the hospitalized, acutely ill population. Devising exercise plans for hospitalized AECOPD patients living with multimorbidity is complicated by the limitations imposed by the acute exacerbation and by the synergistic effect of the multiple conditions upon the person. While recent reviews have examined evidence regarding the effectiveness of exer-cise therapy for people with multimorbidity in community settings,28,29 none have focused on hospitalized patients with COPD who also experience multi-morbidity. National physi-cal activity guidelines fail to address this issue as well.30,31Systematic reviews (SRs) provide a high level of evidence regarding the efficacy of therapeutic intervention, but the sheer number of available SRs on a given topic can make it difficult for the clinician to distill the important messages. Systematic reviews of systematic reviews have been pur-ported as a way to both evaluate and summarize the key mes-sages on important therapies, and are commonly published in areas of health care.32\u00E2\u0080\u009336 The aim of the current research was to synthesize the relevant literature on the benefits of exercise for people with multimorbidity who are experienc-ing an AECOPD. Thus we posed the question: What are the parameters and outcomes of exercise in AECOPD and in commonly associated comorbidities as reported by SRs?MethodsSearch strategyA systematic review was performed using the methodology outlined by the Cochrane Collaboration protocol.37 Electronic databases were searched up to July 2011 including the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, Cochrane-Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), SPORTDiscus, EMBASE, PEDro (Physiotherapy Evidence Database), PsycINFO, and EBM reviews. Gray literature and reference lists from relevant articles were also reviewed to identify additional articles. Search terms were exemplified by the Table 1 Prevalence of chronic diseases in the population and in people with COPDChronic disease Prevalence in population Prevalence in COPDHeart failure ,1% age 50\u00E2\u0080\u009359; \u00E2\u0088\u00BC7% age 80\u00E2\u0080\u00938922 20%24Ischemic heart disease 5% Severe and very severe COPD two-fold risk25Peripheral arterial disease 4.3% at age 40, 14.5% at age 7020 Smokers OR 4.4620Hypertension 15%; \u00E2\u0088\u00BC50% $50 years18 1.6-fold risk25Obesity 67% over age 3014 54%26OA 13% at age 50; \u00E2\u0088\u00BC40% at age 7523Osteoporosis/osteopenia 15% over age 5021 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009370%27Diabetes mellitus \u00E2\u0080\u0093 type 2 2.8% in 2000; 6.4% in 2010 with a 10.2% in the Western Pacific16 Increased relative risk 1.5\u00E2\u0080\u00931.825Depression 4.7% persistent depression or anxiety17 Depressive symptoms: 10%\u00E2\u0080\u009380%25 Depression that requires treatment: 19%\u00E2\u0080\u009342%25submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress298Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7MEDLINE search strategy (Appendix 1) and were modified accordingly to fit the requirements of the other databases.Study criteriaArticles were included if they (1) described participants with AECOPD or COPD, or had one or more of the following con-ditions that are common comorbidities: anxiety/depression, atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, heart failure, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS), osteoarthritis (OA), osteoporosis, obesity/overweight, or older adults; (2) were SRs that included at least one randomized controlled trial (RCT); (3) examined an exercise intervention of aerobic training (AT), resistance training (RT), balance training (BT), or a combination thereof; (4) included at least one outcome of fitness; (5) had comparison groups of exercise training versus control/sham (that consisted of usual treatment, no exercise, or attention placebo); (6) were published in English. Articles were excluded if they (1) were published before 2000, or (2) investigated tai chi, yoga, or qi gong due to the multiple forms of these exercises and the difficulty in defining the expected training response to fitness outcomes. If two SRs reported on the same question and the majority of papers included were the same, only the SR with more articles and a more comprehensive review was included. Also, several SRs did not contain meta-analyses. These were reviewed if they met the criteria above, but data were extracted only if other reviews with meta-analyses were not available on the outcomes of interest.Two individuals independently screened all titles and abstracts retrieved. Any discrepancies were discussed and resolved. From the selected abstracts, one person screened 362 full text articles to determine if they met the inclusion criteria using a screening form. A second person was con-sulted to confirm agreement on all articles to be excluded. The flow chart of the search strategy and study selection is summarized in Figure 1.For each condition, one of the coauthors abstracted data and performed the quality assessment, which was double-checked by at least one person. All discrepancies were discussed and reconciled. Data abstracted, when available, included (1) condition, age, and gender of participants, (2) the modality (Mo), frequency (Fr), intensity (I), time of session (T), and duration of program (D) of the exercise interven-tion, (3) descriptors of the control, placebo, or sham group, and (4) outcomes of fitness, disease control or prevention, quality of life, and function.Data related to functional training was abstracted. Functional training can be defined as mobility exercises that are functionally- or task-based rather than focused on strength Articles retrieved from grey literature n = 15Titles and abstracts identified and screened n = 5080Titles, abstracts retrieved and screened for eligibility n = 3276Excluded duplicates n = 1804Excluded n = 2914 - Not a systematic review - Participants did not have AECOPD or one of the co-morbidities- No exercise intervention - Not available in English - Published before 2000 Systematic Reviews included in review n = 58Citations retrieved from databases MedlineEmbase n = 2545 n = 760 n = 19 n = 114 n = 97 n = 174 n = 161 n = 1210 CINAHL Cochrane CT Cochrane SR SportDiscus PEDro PsycINFO Full text articles screened for eligibility n = 362 Full text articles \u00E2\u0080\u0093 abstracted data and quality assessment ~120 Excluded n = 257 - See reasons stated above Excluded n = 62 - See reasons stated above - Data duplicated in other systematic reviews Figure 1 Flow chart of retrieval, screening and inclusion of systematic reviews.submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress299Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7training of particular muscle groups or endurance training to improve cardiovascular or aerobic status. Examples are stair climbing, repetitive sit to stand, and transfers. Such training often includes a combination of strength, endurance, and balance.Quality assessmentAll SRs were assessed using the AMSTAR quality assess-ment tool.38 Scores for each item and totals are reported. Item 11 was scored as \u00E2\u0080\u009Cyes\u00E2\u0080\u009D if the conflict of interest was stated for the authors of the SR.Data synthesisData was synthesized in tables that described the study qual-ity (Table 2), the participants and interventions (Table 3), and outcomes (Table 4). An outcome was assigned to one of two categories based on whether it was measured in several conditions or if it was applied to evaluate a disease specific marker: (1) generic fitness (eg, exercise capacity, strength), quality of life, and functional outcomes (eg, timed up-and-go test, stair climbing), and (2) disease specific fitness, control, and prevention outcomes (eg, dyspnea, mortality, pain, ejec-tion fraction, cholesterol levels).Only statistically significant outcomes are reported in Table 4. When available, quantitative data for each meta-analysis was described including the number of studies, the number of participants, the standardized effect size or weighted mean difference, risk ratio, odds ratio, and 95% confidence intervals. If this information was not available, an attempt was made to determine the number of studies that reported a significantly positive change versus the total number of studies that measured the outcome. Nonsignificant findings or trends are not reported.ResultsStudy selectionA search of the eight databases yielded 3276 citations and abstracts after duplicates were removed. After independent screening of the citations by two reviewers, 362 full-text articles were selected and reviewed for inclusion. Fifteen additional articles were identified from manual searching of reference lists. The main reasons for excluding articles were that they were not an SR, that participants did not have COPD/AECOPD or one of the other conditions of the search strategy, there was no exercise intervention, the exercise intervention was not clearly described or not differentiated from concurrent treatment, there was no comparison between an exercise group and a control group, the SR reported on similar data but had few articles, the article was not available in English, or the article was published before 2000. No SRs were identified that compared exercise to a control group in people with asthma or bronchiectasis. Fifty-eight SRs met the inclusion criteria.Quality assessmentThe number of RCTs in any of the SRs that related to our ques-tion ranged from 4 to 83. The average AMSTAR score was 7.5 out of a potential 11. The most common items not reported were a list of excluded articles (only 26% of SRs provided this list), an examination of publication bias (ie, funnel plot or Egger regression test, which 45% reported), a statement regarding conflict of interest (50% reported), a selection and abstraction of data performed by two reviewers (65% reported), and a search of the gray literature (59% reported). All other items were addressed by $71% of the SRs.Characteristics of participantsThe age of participants ranged between 18 years and the \u00E2\u0080\u009Cvery elderly\u00E2\u0080\u009D. SRs that described people with HIV or depression had the youngest participants. Gender varied from 100% male to 100% female. SRs that described older adults had the largest sample sizes.Characteristics of interventions and outcomes in the different chronic conditionsCharacteristics of the interventions are detailed in Table 3, while outcomes in the different chronic conditions are shown in Table 4.AECOPDOne SR investigated the benefits of aerobic and resistance training in people with COPD (AMSTAR of 11).39 Aerobic and resistance training of the extremities improved walk distance performance and quality of life measures in addition to decreas-ing dyspnea, compared to the control group. Exercise also reduced admissions to hospital and mortality as demonstrated by meta-analyses of five and three RCTs, respectively.39 The SR included studies that initiated exercise immediately after or up to 6 weeks after treatment initiation for AECOPD as part of pulmonary rehabilitation on an out- or in-patient basis. Frequency of training ranged from three times a week to twice daily. The intensity of aerobic training was not reported.COPD (stable)Six SRs investigated the benefits of AT and RT in people with COPD, and the AMSTAR scores ranged between 5 and 10.40\u00E2\u0080\u009345 submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress300Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 2 AMSTAR scoreCondition Author AMSTAR scores1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 TotalAECOPD Puhan et al39 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseLacasse et al42 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 10O\u00E2\u0080\u0099Shea et al43 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 8Salman et al44 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 8Chavannes et al40 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 5Vieira et al45 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 6Janaudis-Ferreira et al41 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 5Older adults Liu and Latham50 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11Howe et al49 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 10Gillespie et al48 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11Weening-Dijksterhuis et al52 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 1 8Forster et al47 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 5Chin et al46 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 8Rydwik et al51 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 6Heart failure Davies et al55 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 7Hwang et al54 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 8Hwang and Marwick57 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3Chien et al53 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 7Haykowsky et al56 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 1 0 8van Tol et al58 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 7Spruit et al61 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 6Cahalin et al60 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2Benton59 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2Ischemic heart disease Haykowsky et al65 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 8Valkeinen et al68 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 5Cortes et al64 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 9Jolliffe et al66 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 10Clark et al62 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 9Cornish et al63 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3Oliveira et al67 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 3PVD Watson et al69 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 9Wind and Koelemay70 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 7Hypertension Dickinson et al73 1 1 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 8Cornelissen and Fagard72 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 4Whelton et al74 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 8Kelley et al71 1 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 7Obesity Shaw et al76 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11Witham and Avenell75 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 8Osteoarthritis Devos-Comby et al79 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 8Lange et al80 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 7Ottawa Panel77 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 8Brosseau et al78 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 7Pelland et al81 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 0 9Osteoporosis Li et al83 1 0 1 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 1 6de Kam et al82 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 7Diabetes mellitus Chudyk and Petrella85 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 6Umpierre et al90 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 10Irvine and Taylor86 1 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 7Thomas et al89 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11Kelley and Kelley87 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 9Snowling and Hopkins88 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 0 0 6Boul\u00C3\u00A9 et al 84 1 0 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 6HIV O\u00E2\u0080\u0099Brien et al91 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 10Depression Krogh et al93 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 10Herring et al94 1 0 1 1 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 8Mead et al96 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 11Rethorst et al95 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 0 1 0 1 8Lawlor and Hopker92 1 1 1 1 0 1 1 1 1 0 1 9Tallies for 58 reports 58 38 54 34 15 49 48 41 42 26 29 434Percentage of total (58 reports) 100 66 93 59 26 84 83 71 72 45 50submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress301Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 3 Characteristics of participants and interventionsAuthor RCTs n (% M or F) Age (years) Characteristics of exercise interventionAECOPDPuhan et al39 9 427 (64% M) Range 62\u00E2\u0080\u009370 Mo: AT and RT; Fr: Twice daily \u00E2\u0080\u0093 3\u00C3\u0097/week; T: NR except one study stated 2 hours/session; D: 10 days\u00E2\u0080\u00936 months COPDLacasse et al42 31 1322 NR Mo: AT and RT, U/E, L/E, and/or respiratory muscle training; Fr and I: NR; D: 4\u00E2\u0080\u009352 weeksO\u00E2\u0080\u0099Shea et al43 9 of 18 296 of 679 (70% M) Range 48.5\u00E2\u0080\u009372 Mo: RT using free weights, machine, Theraband; Fr: 2\u00C3\u0097/week\u00E2\u0080\u0093daily; I: variable; T: 5\u00E2\u0080\u009312 reps, 2\u00E2\u0080\u00934 sets; D: 6\u00E2\u0080\u009312 weeksSalman et al44 20 999 59\u00E2\u0080\u009373 Mo: AT, RT: U/E, L/E, and/or respiratory muscle training; Fr: $3 \u00C3\u0097/week; D: 6 weeks\u00E2\u0080\u009312 months; other details NRChavannes et al40 4 of 5 210 (\u00E2\u0088\u00BC55% M) 49\u00E2\u0080\u009363 Mo: AT + RT (four studies), AT (one study); Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; D: 8 weeks\u00E2\u0080\u009318 months; other details NRVieira et al45 8 of 12 370 of 728 Range 38\u00E2\u0080\u009378 Mo: Home-based AT and RT; Fr: 2\u00C3\u0097/week \u00E2\u0080\u0093 twice daily; I: 90% of velocity of 6 MWD, $70% of maximal speed of SWT, cycle ergometer: 30 W, cycling: 70% of work rate; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 4\u00E2\u0080\u009352 weeksJanaudis-Ferreira et al415 157 NR Mo: Arm AT and RT; Fr: 3\u00C3\u0097/week \u00E2\u0080\u0093 2\u00C3\u0097/day; I: NR; T: 4\u00E2\u0080\u009310 reps 1\u00E2\u0080\u00933 sets; D: 6\u00E2\u0080\u00938 weeksOlder adultsLiu and Latham50 83 of 121 3059 of 6700 .60 Mo: RT in gym or against Theraband; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week, except one was daily; I: ranged from low to high intensity; D: most 8\u00E2\u0080\u009312 weeks but ranged from 2\u00E2\u0080\u0093104 weeksHowe et al49 34 2883 (,50% M) 60\u00E2\u0080\u009375 years Mo: RT, gait, balance, co-ordination, and functional tasks, tai chi, qi gong, dance, yoga; other details NRGillespie et al48 14 of 111 55303 (,50% M) .60 Mo: AT, RT, gait, balance and functional training, flexibility training, tai chi, and square stepping; general physical activity (walking groups); other details NRWeening- Dijksterhuis et al5227 6459 .70 Mo: RT (strength, resistance), ROM, balance, functional, gait, tai chi, flexibility; other details NRForster et al47 37 of 49 3611 (33% M)Mean 82 Mo: RT, AT (walking) and general daily living skills eg, eating, dressing, and climbing stairs, flexibility, balance; Fr: mean of 3.5\u00C3\u0097/week T: #30 minutes/week; D: 4 weeks\u00E2\u0080\u00932 yearsChin et al46 20 2515 (majority F) 77\u00E2\u0080\u009388 Mo: AT, RT, flexibility, balance, tai chi, and/or multi-component training; Fr: usually 3\u00C3\u0097/week; D: range 10\u00E2\u0080\u009328 weeksRydwik et al51 16 1269 .70 Mo: RT, gait, and ROM training; Fr: usually 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week T: variable; D: 9 weeks\u00E2\u0080\u00932 yearsHeart failureDavies et al55 19 3647 (majority M) 51\u00E2\u0080\u009372 Mo: AT or AT + RT; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 40% max HR or 85% VO2 max; T: 15\u00E2\u0080\u0093120 minutes; D: 24 weeks\u00E2\u0080\u00933 yearsHwang et al54 4 of 8 103 (60% M) 62\u00E2\u0080\u009377 Mo: RT for U/E and L/E; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% 1RM; T: 12\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 8\u00E2\u0080\u009322 weeksHwang and Marwick5719 1069 (85% M) 59.05 (95% CI 55\u00E2\u0080\u009363)Mo: AT or AT + RT: cycle ergometer, walking, calisthenics, ball games, strength training; Fr: NR; I: AT: \u00E2\u0088\u009210% of AT, 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRmax, 70% VO2 max RT: 80% 1RM, 70% HRmax; T: 40\u00E2\u0080\u0093400 minutes/week; D: 8\u00E2\u0080\u009352 weeks(Continued)submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress302Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 3 (Continued)Author RCTs n (% M or F) Age (years) Characteristics of exercise interventionChien et al53 10 648 (79% M) 52\u00E2\u0080\u009381 Mo: Home based AT (walking program, and/or cycle ergometer) and RT (added in 3/10 studies); Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 40%\u00E2\u0080\u009370% HRmax, or 70% HR at VO2 max; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 6\u00E2\u0080\u009352 weeks. All home programsHaykowsky et al56 9 of 14 538 of 812 (83% M)52\u00E2\u0080\u009361 Mo: AT: cycle ergometer, rowing, swimming, walking, arm ergometer, treadmill, interval training; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00937 days/week; I: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% VO2 peak, 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% HRpeak, or 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009370% max work load; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 2\u00E2\u0080\u009314 monthsvan Tol et al58 35 1486 (76% M) Mean 60.6 (SD 7.5)Mo: AT + RT; Fr: range 1\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week, mean 3.7\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% VO2 peak, 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRmax, 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRR; T: 15\u00E2\u0080\u009396 minutes, 50 minutes (mean); D: 3\u00E2\u0080\u009326 weeks, 13.0 weeks (mean)Spruit et al61 4 of 10 114 (72% M) Mean 57\u00E2\u0080\u009377 Mo: RT alone Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 40%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% 1 RM; T: 15\u00E2\u0080\u009360 reps in 1\u00E2\u0080\u00933 sets; D: 8\u00E2\u0080\u009320 weeks; progression described in some reportsCahalin et al60 11 of 22 387 of 633 (70% M)30\u00E2\u0080\u009380 Mo: RT: variety of strength exercises either alone or with short or long bursts of AT; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; I: RT: 20%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% 1RM; AT: up to 80% VO2 peak, or 70% HRpeak, or 50% peak workload; T: 5\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 4\u00E2\u0080\u009326 weeksBenton59 4 of 16 115 of 379 (80% M)Mean 30\u00E2\u0080\u009376 Mo: RT: chair stands, heel lifts, weights, pulleys, hydraulic fitness; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week, I: 60% 1 RM; AT: cycling, arm ergometer, stair climbing, walking; T: 2\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00935 month study duration; reps and progression: variableIschemic heart diseaseHaykowsky et al65 12 647 55 Mo: AT: Cycle, walk, jogging, calisthenics; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% VO2 max or peak HR; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u0093180 minutes; D: 1\u00E2\u0080\u00936 monthsValkeinen et al68 18 922 (majority M) 59.9 \u00C2\u00B1 4.9 Mo: AT: walking, jogging, cycling, and arm cranking; Fr: 3.1 \u00C2\u00B1 0.4\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 70%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRmax, HRR, HR of anaerobic threshold or 25%\u00E2\u0080\u009370% VO2 max; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 14.2 \u00C2\u00B1 13.5 weeks Mo: RT: Fr: 3.5 \u00C2\u00B1 0.7\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% 1 RM or 40%\u00E2\u0080\u009360% MVC; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 22.0 \u00C2\u00B1 11.1 weeksCortes et al64 11 of 14 3148 ($70% M) 55\u00E2\u0080\u009365 Mo: Early mobilization: sitting on bed/chair, walking, moving legs, climbing stairs, any movement out of bed, dangling legs, progressive activity while in hospital; settings descriptions: CCU, hospital wards, in-hospitalJolliffe et al66 32 8440 (majority M) 55 Mo: AT: walking, running, cycling, skipping, swimming, stairs, and rowing; Fr: 1\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 70%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% HRmax or predicted HRmax, other 75% max work capacity; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 4 weeks to 30 months Mo: RT: strengthening exercises for U/E and L/E; Fr: 3\u00C3\u0097/week; I: Target HR 85% HRmax; T: 60 minutes; D: 12 weeksClark et al62 41 of 63 8460 of 21295 (majority M)Mean 49\u00E2\u0080\u009371 AT, RT: no details on interventionCornish et al63 2 of 7 120 of 213 57 \u00C2\u00B1 14\u00E2\u0080\u009371.5 \u00C2\u00B1 7.8 Mo: AT: interval training: aerobic dance movements, upper/lower body exercises, cycle ergometer, or treadmill walking/running; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 3 intervals of 5\u00E2\u0080\u009310 minutes at RPE 15\u00E2\u0080\u009318 in one study and 3 minutes at 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009370% HRmax + 4 minutes at 90%\u00E2\u0080\u009395% HRmax in another; T: 50\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 16\u00E2\u0080\u009326 weeks(Continued)submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress303Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 3 (Continued)Author RCTs n (% M or F) Age (years) Characteristics of exercise interventionOliveira et al67 4 of 11 126 most ,60 Mo: RT: free weights in one study, NR in others; I: 40%\u00E2\u0080\u009360% MVC or 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% 1 RM; D: 10 weeks to 6 months; Other details NRPVDWatson et al69 16 of 22 783 of 1200 (.50% M)45\u00E2\u0080\u009389 Mo: AT, RT: polestriding, cycling, and U/E and L/E exercises. Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u0093120 minutes; D: 3\u00E2\u0080\u009312 monthsWind and Koelemay7010 of 15 625 of 761 (.50% M)60\u00E2\u0080\u009376 Mo: AT: crank exercise, walking, others not detailed. Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 12\u00E2\u0080\u009326 week except one study was 104 weeksHypertensionDickinson et al73 21 of 105 1518 of 6805 (\u00E2\u0088\u00BC57% M)52 (30\u00E2\u0080\u009367) Mo: AT: brisk walking, jogging, cycling; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 8\u00E2\u0080\u009352 week (median 12). 2 trials received RT, but details NR; 1 trial offered advice to participantsCornelissen and Fagard7228 of 72 492 in exercise group52.7 \u00C2\u00B1 11.8 Mo: AT: walking, jogging, running, cycling; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week (median 3); I: 30%\u00E2\u0080\u009387% HRR (median 65); T: 25\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes (median 40); D: 4\u00E2\u0080\u009352 weeks (median 12)Whelton et al74 15 of 54 872 (majority M) Mean 40\u00E2\u0080\u009369 Range 18\u00E2\u0080\u009386Mo: AT: biking, walking, jogging; Fr: 1\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 40%\u00E2\u0080\u009370% VO2 max, 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% HRmax, 40%\u00E2\u0080\u009370% Wmax; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 3\u00E2\u0080\u009326 weeksKelley et al71 47 2543 .50% M48 Mo: AT: walking, jogging, cycling, aerobic dance, and swimming; Fr: 1\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 45%\u00E2\u0080\u009386% VO2 max; T: 15\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 360\u00E2\u0080\u00939360 minutesObesityShaw et al76 4 of 41 440 of 3476 (majority M)30\u00E2\u0080\u009364 Mo: AT: walking/jogging, circuit training; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRmax; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 26\u00E2\u0080\u009352 weeksWitham and Avenell752 of 9 173 (100% F) 60 Mo: supervised AT, no details; Fr: 3\u00C3\u0097/week; I: aiming for 70% VO2 max; T: NR; D: 3 months; Transition to home: exercise 4\u00C3\u0097/week plus weekly supervised exerciseOADevos-Comby et al7916 2154 Mean 65.8, range 29\u00E2\u0080\u009389Mo: AT + RT: knee muscles strength training, low/medium intensity exercise, and light physical activity (walking, aerobic exercise, balance or flexibility exercises); Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week (sometimes 2\u00C3\u0097/day); I: AT: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% HRR, RT: 6 set \u00C3\u0097 5 max contraction (others NR); T: 20 minutes \u00E2\u0080\u0093 1.5 hour; D: 4\u00E2\u0080\u009312 weeks (different follow-up periods)Lange et al80 18 2723 Range 55\u00E2\u0080\u009374 Mo: RT: dynamic or isotonic training mainly targeting the quadriceps using resistance machines, free weights, or Theraband; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; I: light to maximal; T: 10\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes, 5\u00E2\u0080\u009312 reps, 1\u00E2\u0080\u009310 sets (most 3 sets); D: 1\u00E2\u0080\u009330 monthsOttawa Panel77 26 2486 .18 Mo: AT: walking or cycle ergometer; RT: strengthening (eg, isometric, isotonic, isokinetic, eccentric, concentric, aerobic), general physical activity, combination of exercises; Fr: 1\u00C3\u0097/week\u00E2\u0080\u009310\u00C3\u0097/day (depends on phase); I: AT: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009370% HRR when described, RT: variable. T: 5 minutes\u00E2\u0080\u00931.5 hours; D: 4 weeks\u00E2\u0080\u009318 monthsBrosseau et al78 9 of 12 1363 57\u00E2\u0080\u009369.4 Mo: AT: walking, stationary bike; Fr: 1\u00E2\u0080\u00934 \u00C3\u0097/week; I: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% HRR or 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRmax. T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u009390 minutes when reported; D: 5\u00E2\u0080\u009312 weeks. Some changed to home-based program up to 15 months. Some studies included strengthening exercises(Continued)submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress304Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 3 (Continued)Author RCTs n (% M or F) Age (years) Characteristics of exercise interventionPelland et al81 17 (plus 4 CCTs)2325 Range 55.0\u00E2\u0080\u009374.6 Mo: ROM exercises, low intensity walking on treadmill, RT: quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abduction strengthening, stationary bike; Fr: most 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week, range: 1\u00C3\u0097/week\u00E2\u0080\u00932\u00C3\u0097/day; I: variable; T: 15\u00E2\u0080\u009340 minutes, 3\u00E2\u0080\u00939 exercises, 6\u00E2\u0080\u009320 reps, 1\u00E2\u0080\u00934 sets; D: 4 week\u00E2\u0080\u009315 monthsOsteoporosisLi et al83 5 groups in 4 papers256 (100% F) NR Mo: RT or combined stretch/strength/balance programs: strengthening of extremities and trunk (1 study), \u00E2\u0080\u009Cagility\u00E2\u0080\u009D training (1 study), combined exercise (stretching, strengthening, balance, posture) (2 studies), trunk flexor/extensor strengthening (1 study); Fr: 3 studies 2 days/week, 1 study 7 days/week; I: NR; T: 40\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 10\u00E2\u0080\u009325 weeksDe Kam et al82 28 1707, some reports used the same subjectsMean 57\u00E2\u0080\u009382 Mo: fast walking; aerobic exercise; weight-bearing aerobic exercise; strengthening exercises; balance exercises; posture and gait exercises; trunk extensor exercises; heel drops with impact; heel drops with no impact; whole body vibration; jumping; agility training including ball games, relay races and obstacle courses; tai chi; home-based walking, strengthening and stretching; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; I: not described \u00E2\u0080\u0093 only one study described progression by increasing step count by 30%; T: 4\u00E2\u0080\u009390 minutes; D: 10\u00E2\u0080\u0093104 weeksDiabetesChudyk and Petrella8530 of 34 NR NR Mo: AT; Fr: most 3\u00C3\u0097/week but range of 1\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% VO2 max or 35%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% HRmax; T: 40\u00E2\u0080\u009375 minutes; D: 2\u00E2\u0080\u009324 months. RT: variableUmpierre et al90 23 of 47 1513 of 8538 Range of means 52\u00E2\u0080\u009369Mo: AT, RT; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week T: AT: 30\u00E2\u0080\u0093150 minutes/week and RT: 9\u00E2\u0080\u009327 sets; D: 12\u00E2\u0080\u009352 weeksIrvine and Taylor86 7 of 9 162 of 256 47\u00E2\u0080\u009368 Mo: RT: free weights or weight machines; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 55%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% 1RM or to moderate on Borg; T: 8\u00E2\u0080\u009315 reps, 1\u00E2\u0080\u00933 sets, 5\u00E2\u0080\u009310 exercises; D: 8\u00E2\u0080\u009326 weeksThomas et al89 14 377 45\u00E2\u0080\u009365 Mo: qi gong, RT, AT: cycle ergometer, walking cycling, skiing, swimming; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; I: AT: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% VO2 peak, 65%\u00E2\u0080\u009375% HRR or 85% HRmax; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u0093120 minutes; if PRT, 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933 sets of 10\u00E2\u0080\u009312 reps; D: 8 weeks\u00E2\u0080\u00931 yearKelley and Kelley877 Both 40\u00E2\u0080\u009375 Mo: AT: cycle ergometer, walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, skiing; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week I: 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009375% VO2 max; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u009375 minutes; D: 10\u00E2\u0080\u009326 weeksSnowling and Hopkins8827 1003 55 \u00C2\u00B1 7 Mo: AT; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00937\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% VO2 max, HR 110\u00E2\u0080\u0093140 bpm, 40%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRR; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u0093120 minutes; D: 6\u00E2\u0080\u0093104 weeks. Mo: RT; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; I: 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% of 1 RM; T: 10\u00E2\u0080\u009320 reps, 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933 sets, 5\u00E2\u0080\u009310 ex; D: 5\u00E2\u0080\u009316 weeksBoul\u00C3\u00A9 et al84 27 266 55.7 Mo: AT: continuous aerobic; walking, cycling, skiing jogging, rowing, Theraband; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00936\u00C3\u0097/week; 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009375%; I: VO2 max; T: 40\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 8\u00E2\u0080\u009352 weeksHIVO\u00E2\u0080\u0099Brien et al91 7 of 14 306 of 454 (\u00E2\u0088\u00BC70% M)18\u00E2\u0080\u009358 Mo: AT: interval or continuous aerobic, walking, jogging, stair stepping, ski machine, stationary bike, cross country machine. Fr: 3\u00C3\u0097/week I: AT: usually 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% VO2 max and 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRmax or RT: 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% 1 RM; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes, D: 5\u00E2\u0080\u009324 weeks(Continued)submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress305Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 3 (Continued)Author RCTs n (% M or F) Age (years) Characteristics of exercise interventionDepression/anxietyKrogh et al93 13 272 17\u00E2\u0080\u009385 Mo: AT, RT, AT + RT; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; D: 8\u00E2\u0080\u009316 week; AT: I: 70%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% HRmax, 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009370% aerobic capacity; T: 30\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes. RT: I: 80% RM; T: 20 minutes or 8 reps \u00C3\u0097 3 setsHerring et al94 40 NR (59% F) 50 \u00C2\u00B1 10 Mo: AT, RT, AT+RT; Fr: 3 \u00C2\u00B1 1\u00C3\u0097/wk; I: variable; T: 42 \u00C2\u00B1 22; D: 16 \u00C2\u00B1 10 wk Mead et al96 23 of 25 640 $18 Mo: AT: running, treadmill walking or walking, stationary cycling; RT; Mixed: A + RT, qi gong exercises, individually tailored, tai chi; D: 10 days \u00E2\u0080\u0093 16 weeksRethorst et al95 58 2982 15\u00E2\u0080\u009394 Mo: AT; Fr: 3\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; I: moderate to high T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; Mo: RT; F: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00933 \u00C3\u0097 /week T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; Mo: A + RT; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009390 minutes; D: acute \u00E2\u0080\u0093 52 weekLawlor and Hopker9211 of 14 479 (\u00E2\u0088\u00BC34% M) All ages Mo: AT: running, walking; Fr: 2\u00E2\u0080\u00935\u00C3\u0097/week; T: 20\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes; D: 4\u00E2\u0080\u009312 weekNotes: In RCT columns, number of RCTs from total number of studies. In number of subject\u00E2\u0080\u0099s (n) columns, number of subjects that were analyzed and total number of participants.Abbreviations: AECOPD, acute exacerbation of COPD; AT, aerobic training; D, duration of training program; Fr, frequency; HRR, heart rate reserve; I, intensity; L/E: Lower extremity; M, male; F, female; Mo, modality; mod, moderate; NR, not reported; RT, resistance training; T, session time; U/E, upper extremity; ROM, range of motion; SWT, shuttle walking test; PRT, progressive resistance training.AT and RT of the extremities improved maximal exercise capacity, walk distance performance, and quality of life measures in outpatient COPD compared to a control group as described by a high quality SR with an AMSTAR score of 10.42 Whether people with mild-to-moderate COPD with AECOPD benefit from exercise training is equivocal, as sum-marized by two SRs with AMSTAR scores of 5 and 8.40,44 Exercise training that focused on RT improved leg strength and cycling endurance as described by one review with an AMSTAR of 8.43 Unsupported and supported arm exercise showed improvement in half of the studies evaluated by one SR.41 Home exercise demonstrated improvement in exercise capacity in all studies that assessed this attribute and half of the studies that assessed quality of life.45 Dyspnea was significantly improved by aerobic and resistance trainings in two reports.42,44Walking and cycling were the most common AT whereas free weights and Theraband\u00E2\u0084\u00A2 were the most common resis-tance used during RT. Frequency of training ranged from twice weekly to twice daily. The intensity of aerobic training was either not described in the SRs or, in one report, was quantified as a percentage of walk test distance.45 RT intensity ranged from one-third of a (repetition maximum) RM to near maximal intensity for the number of repetitions. The time for each session varied between 30 and 120 minutes, or was defined in terms of repetitions and sets for RT.41,43 Durations of studies ranged between four weeks and 18 months. There was an obvious focus on AT and RT in the SRs, and no reports described the outcomes from balance or functional training in people with COPD.Older adultsOverall, exercise training results in improved physical and functional performance for older adults, as demonstrated by seven SRs,46\u00E2\u0080\u009352 although initial health status influenced both the ability to participate in certain programs as well as the outcomes of the training. Most SRs and many RCTs included a mix of RT, BT, and functional training rather than focusing on a single type of training. Thus, evidence for the most part is provided from multifaceted training rather than a singular approach. Many other aspects of the training varied widely, with a training frequency most often of two to three times a week, total duration that ranged from 2 to 104 weeks, and a variable intensity level (Table 3). SRs, which had AMSTAR scores ranging from 5 to 11, showed that mixed training improved balance47,49,52 and strength,47,51,52 reduced falls,48 and improved functional measures such as the 6-minute walk dis-tance (6MWD).46,49,51,52 An SR that had a singular focus on RT with an AMSTAR of 11 showed widespread improvements in lower extremity strength, aerobic capacity, and several physical performance tests (Table 4).50 In addition, this SR provided evi-dence that RT reduced the relative risk of death and pain.50Heart failureSix meta-analyses53\u00E2\u0080\u009358 investigated the benefits of AT and/or RT in patients with chronic heart failure. Most of these papers submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress306Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 4 Generic and disease-specific outcomes from exercise interventionsAuthorCondition and severityType of training:Generic fitness, quality of life and functional outcomes # RCTs/n/difference [95% confidence intervals]Disease specific fitness, control and prevention outcomes # trials/n/difference [95% confidence intervals]Puhan et al39COPD after AECOPDAT, RT6MWD: 6/NR/WMD: 77.7 m [12.2, 143.2]; Shuttle walk test: 3/NR/WMD: 64.4 M [41.3, 87.4]; QoL: SGRQ: 3/NR/WMD: 9.88 [\u00E2\u0088\u009214.40, \u00E2\u0088\u00925.37]Dyspnea: 5/NR/0.97 [0.35, 1.58]; Admission to hospital: 5/250/OR: 0.22 [0.08, 0.58]; Mortality: 3/110/OR: 0.28 [0.10, 0.84]Lacasse et al42COPDAT, RTMaximal exercise capacity on cycle ergometer: 13/511/WMD: 8.4 watts [3.45, 13.41]; 6MWD: 16/669/WMD: 48.5 m [31.6, 65.3]; QoL: Fatigue of CRQ: 11/618/ WMD: 0.92 [0.71, 1.13]QoL: Change in dyspnea of CRQ: 11/618/WMD: 1.06 [0.85, 1.26]O\u00E2\u0080\u0099 Shea et al43Mild to severe COPDRTLeg press strength: 4/77/SES: 0.96 [0.26, 1.66]; Knee extensor strength: 3/125/SES: 0.52 [0.30,0.74]; Cycling endurance: 2/52/SES: 0.87 [0.29, 1.44].Salman et al44Mild to severe COPDAT, RTWalking distance: 20/979/SES: 0.71 [0.43, 0.99]Shortness of breath: 12/723/SES: 0.62 [0.26, 0.91]Chavannes et al40Mild to mod. COPDAT, AT + RT,Exercise tolerance: Limited evidence of improvement. SES NRVieira et al45COPDHome based AT, RTExercise capacity: 2 of 2 studies show \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 6MWD or constant work rate test; QoL: 3 of 6 studies showed \u00E2\u0086\u0091 compared to controlJanaudis-Ferreira et al41Mod. to severe COPDArm AT, RTUnsupported and supported arm exercise capacity: 2 (of 4) studies and 1 (of 2) showed \u00E2\u0086\u0091 compared to controlLiu and Latham50ElderlyRTLower limb strength: 73/3059/SES 0.84 [0.67, 1.00]; VO2 max: 18/710/WMD 1.50 mL/kg/min [0.49, 2.51]; 6MWD: 11/325/WMD 52.37 m [17.38, 87.37]; Gait speed: 24/1179/WMD 0.08 m/s [0.04, 0.12]; Timed up-and-go: 12/691/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u00920.69 s [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.11, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.27]; Time to stand from a chair: 11/384/SES \u00E2\u0088\u00920.94 [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.49, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.38]; Stair climbing: 8/268/\u00E2\u0088\u00921.44 s [\u00E2\u0088\u00922.51, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.37]; Vitality: (SF-36) 10/611/WMD 1.33 [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.89, 3.55]; Main function: 33/2172/SES 0.14 [0.05, 0.22]Death: 13/1125/RR 0.89 [0.52, 1.54]; Pain: 6/503/SES \u00E2\u0088\u00920.30 [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.48, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.13]Howe et al49Improving balanceBalance, gait, functional taskSingle leg stance time, eyes open: 4/164/MD 0.33 s [0.02, 0.64]; Berg Balance Scale 3/126/MD 2.72 [0.94, 4.50]Gillespie et al48Falls preventionBalance, gait, functionalRate of falls: 3/461/RR: 0.73 [0.54, 0.98] 0.036; Number of fallers: 17/2492/RR: 0.83 [0.72, 0.97] 0.018Weening- Dijksterhuis et al52Institutionalized frail elderlyAT, RT, balance and functional trainingStrength: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 8 of 9 studies; 6MWD: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 3 of 3 studies; Balance: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 10 of 10 studies; Psychological function/perceived health: some effect; Function: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 4 of 4 on depression and activity measures(Continued)submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress307Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 4 (Continued)AuthorCondition and severityType of training:Generic fitness, quality of life and functional outcomes # RCTs/n/difference [95% confidence intervals]Disease specific fitness, control and prevention outcomes # trials/n/difference [95% confidence intervals]Forster et al47Elderly in long term careAT, RT and balanceMobility (variety of tests): \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 24 of 35 trials; Strength: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 18; Balance: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 12 of 16 studiesChin et al46Frail, ElderlyAT, RT and balancePhysical Performance Test: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 3 of 4 studies; 6MWD: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 9 of 17 studiesRydwik et al51Institutionalized elderly, multiple diagnosesAT, RT, balance, mobility, gait, ADLStrength: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 6 of 9 studies; Mobility: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 8 of 12 studies; Range of motion: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 2 of 3 studies; Gait: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 4 of 8 studies; Activities of daily living: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 3 of 6 studiesDavies et al 55HF, severity not an inclusion criterionAT, RTHospital admissions related to heart failure: 7/569/RR: 0.72 [0.52, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.99]; QoL using Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire: 6/700/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u009210.3 [\u00E2\u0088\u009215.9, \u00E2\u0088\u00924.8]; QoL using all scales: 9/779/SMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.57 [0\u00E2\u0080\u00930.83, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.31]Hwang et al54HF, diagnosis based on clinical signs or LVEF , 40%RT6MWD: 2/40/52 m [19, 85]Hwang and Marwick57HFAT (15) or AT + RT (4)VO2 max: 16/733/2.86 mL/kg/min [1.43, 4.29]; Exercise duration: 7/241/2.00 min [1.43, 2.57]; 6MWD: 6/628/30.4 m [6.1, 54.7]Chien et al53HF, diagnosis based on clinical signs or LVEF , 40%Mostly AT, home-based. RT added in 3/10 studiesVO2 max: 7/355/MD 2.71 mL/kg/min [0.67, 7.74]; 6MWD: 5/320/MD 41.09 m [19.12, 63.06]Hospitalization due to cardiac events: 2/143/OR 0.75 [0.19, 2.92]Haykowsky et al56HF, severity not a criterion, clinically stableATVO2 max: 9/538/WMD 2.98 mL/kg/min [2.47, 3.49]Ejection fraction: 9/538/WMD 2.59% [1.44, 3.74]; End-diastolic volume: 5/371/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u009211.49 mL [\u00E2\u0088\u009219.95, \u00E2\u0088\u00923.02]; End-systolic volume: 5/371/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u009212.87 mL [\u00E2\u0088\u009217.80, \u00E2\u0088\u00927.93]van Tol et al58HF, severity not a criterion for inclusion AT, RTVO2 max: 31/1240/MD 2.06 mL/kg/min; Watts on maximal test: 19/715/MD 14.3 W; Anaerobic threshold: 13/511/MD 1.91 mL/kg/min; 6MWD: 15/599/MD 46.2 m; HR during maximal exercise: 18/683/MD 3.5 bpm; SBP during maximal exercise: 10/382/MD 5.4 mmHg; QoL: 9/463/MD \u00E2\u0088\u00929.7 pointsEnd-diastolic volume at rest: 9/527/WD \u00E2\u0088\u00923.13 mL; Cardiac output during maximal exercise: 3/104/WD 2.51 L/minSpruit et al61HF, severity not a criterion for inclusionRTMean peak isotonic strength of upper and lower body: 1/16/37% improvement; Muscle endurance: 1/16/299% improvementsubmit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress308Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Cahalin et al60HF, severity not a criterionRT, with short or long bursts of ATMuscle strength, muscle endurance, daily activity, forearm blood flow, performance of heel lift, and QoL increased and resting HR decreased, but no synthesis of data from more than one RCT was providedLeft ventricular ejection fraction, left ventricular fractional shortening, and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake improved, but no synthesis of data from more than one RCT was providedBenton59HF, severity not a criterionAT, RTMuscle strength, muscle endurance, QoL, heart rate during exercise, and forearm blood flow improved, but no synthesis of data from more than one RCT was providedHaykowsky et al65Post-MIATMeta-regression analysis shows that exercise training had beneficial effects on LV remodeling in clinically stable post-MI patients with greatest benefits occurring when training starts earlier following MI (from one week) and lasts longer than 3 months Ejection fraction: Q = 25.48, df = 2, P , 0.01; End systolic volume: Q = 23.89, df = 2, P , 0.005; End diastolic volume: Q = 27.42, df = 2, P , 0.01Valkeinen et al68Ischemic heart disease (MI, angina, CABG, PTCA, angioplasty, percutaneous intervention)AT (majority), RTVO2 max for aerobic training: 15/807/SMD 0.67 mL/kg/min [0.39, 0.94]; Longer exercise training period (.6 months) starting soon after a cardiac event (,3 months) had a significant effect on VO2 max in patients with CHD: 7/406/SMD 0.94 mL/kg/min [0.38, 1.50] and 11/647/SMD 0.77 mL/kg/min [0.44, 1.10, P , 0.001] respectivelyCortes et al64Acute myocardial infarctionIn hospital early mobilizationTrend towards decreased total mortality and non-fatal re-infarction, but n.sJolliffe et al66Coronary heart diseaseAT (majority), RTComprehensive cardiac rehabilitation: Total cardiac death: 22/2903/OR 0.75 [0.59, 0.97]; Total cholesterol: 9/1198, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.65 mmol/L [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.75, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.55]; LDL cholesterol: 6/728, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.61 mmol/L [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.73, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.50]; Triglycerides: Small but significant reduction (no numbers) Exercise only: Total cardiac death: 8/2312/OR 0.70 [0.51, 0.94]; Total mortality: 12/2582/OR 0.74 [0.56, 0.98]Clark et al62Ischemic heart diseaseAT, RT (no details)Program with exercise: Recurrent MI: 12/3997/RR 0.62 [0.44, 0.87] Exercise only: Mortality: 11/2285/RR 0.72 [0.54, 0.95]Cornish et al63Ischemic CAD (narrative review)AT (interval training)Exercise capacity: 2 studies (of 2) showed \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in either 6 MWD, cycle test time, VO2 max, time to fatigue and HRrest, while both showed increase in workloadOliveira et al67Post-MI, CABG (narrative review)RTExercise capacity: 2 of 2 studies showed \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 6MWD; Muscle strength: 2 studies (of 2) showed \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in muscle strength(Continued)submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress309Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Table 4 (Continued)AuthorCondition and severityType of training:Generic fitness, quality of life and functional outcomes # RCTs/n/difference [95% confidence intervals]Disease specific fitness, control and prevention outcomes # trials/n/difference [95% confidence intervals]Watson et al69PVDAT, RTMaximal walking time: 7/255/ MD: 5.1 [4.5, 5.7]; Maximal walking distance: 6/391, MD: 113.20 M [95.0, 131.4]Pain-free walking time time: 3/150, MD: 2.9 min [2.5, 3.3]; Pain-free walking distance: 6/322, MD: 82.2 M [71.7, 92.7]Wind and Koelemay70PVDATWalking distance: 9/499, WMD: 155.8 M [80.8, 230.7]Pain free walking distance: 8/409, WMD: 81.3 M [35.5, 127.1]Dickinson et al73HypertensionATSBP: 21/1346/MD: \u00E2\u0088\u00926.1 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u009210.1, \u00E2\u0088\u00922.1; I2 = 87%]; DBP: 21/1346/MD: \u00E2\u0088\u00923.0 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00924.9, \u00E2\u0088\u00921.1; I2 = 74%]Cornelissen and Fagard72HypertensionATVO2 max: 17/279/WMD 4.4 mL/kg/min [3.7, 5.1]; HR: 23/340/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u00924.5 bpm [\u00E2\u0088\u00926.5; \u00E2\u0088\u00922.6]; SBP: 30/492/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u00926.9 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00929.1; \u00E2\u0088\u00924.6]; DBP: 30/492/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u00924.9 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00926.5; \u00E2\u0088\u00923.3].Whelton et al74HypertensionATSBP: 15/NR/ES \u00E2\u0088\u00924.94 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00927.17, \u00E2\u0088\u00922.70]; DBP: 13/NR/ES \u00E2\u0088\u00923.73 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00925.69, \u00E2\u0088\u00921.77]Kelley et al71HypertensionATSBP: \u00E2\u0088\u00926 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00928, \u00E2\u0088\u00923] (number of trials/subjects NR); DBP: \u00E2\u0088\u00925 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00927, \u00E2\u0088\u00923] (number of trials/subjects NR)Shaw et al76ObesityATDBP: 2/259/WMD -2.09 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00923.68, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.51]Triglycerides: 3/348/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u00920.18 mmol/l [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.31, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.05]; Fasting glucose: 2/273/WMD \u00E2\u0088\u00920.17 mmol/l [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.30, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.05]; HDL: 3/348/WMD 0.06 mmol/l [0.03, 0.09]Witham and Avenell75Obese postmenopausal womenAT, RTVO2 max: increase by 11.7% in the intervention group and 0.7% in the control group at 12 months (P , 0.001)Devos-Comby et al79OAAT, RT, and balanceDirect measures of impairment (walking distance test, timed chair rise, time getting out of a car, balance tests, or gait): 11/740/ SES 0.15 [0.08, 0.23]Combined physical outcomes (Scales of physical disability, discomfort, pain, function, mobility ie, AIMS): 12/808/SES: 0.29 [0.23, 0.36].Lange et al80Knee OARTStrength: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 9 of 14 studies; Maximal gait speed: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 4 of 4 studies; Maximal stair climb/descent: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 3 of 5 studiesPain: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 10 of 18 studies; Physical disability: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 11 of 14 studies; Physical self efficacy: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 2 of 2 studiesOttawa Panel77OAAT, RTStrength, aerobic capacity, and functional status: different levels of evidence support various types of strengthening, mobility and flexibility exercises based on RCTs but no synthesis of data from more than one RCT was providedPain: different levels of evidence from RCTs show that different types of exercise decrease pain. No synthesis of data from more than one RCT was providedBrosseau et al78OAATAerobic capacity, timed walk distance, walk velocity: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in RCTs but no synthesis of data from more than one RCT was providedPelland et al81OA \u00E2\u0080\u0093 most knee or hipMainly RTStrength, function and QoL: improves, but no synthesis of data from more than one RCT was providedPain: decreases, but no synthesis of data from more than one RCT was providedLi et al83Osteoporosis or osteopenia; severity not an inclusion criteriaRT or combined stretch/strength/ balance programsQoL: All domains of SF36 were significantly improved for all 4 studies. Scores out of 100. Physical function: 5/288/WMD 2.77 [2.27, 3.37]; Pain: 5/288/WMD 4.95 [3.52, 8.70];submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress310Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Role Physical: 2/78/WMD 12.41 [0.35, 24.46]; Vitality: 2/78/WMD 11.11 [3.99, 18.22] Subgroup analysis showed that programs that combined programs improved QoL physical function and pain scores more than strengthening aloneDe Kam et al82Osteoporosis or osteopeniaAT, RT, Balance, GaitImprovements in: TUG, standing up and walking around cones, U/E strength, posturagraphy; figure 8 walking; L/E strength; trunk strength; step test; lateral reach; walking velocity; balance performanceImprovements in: spine BMD, hip BMD, femur BMD, fall-related fractures; radius BMD, calcaneus BMD, fall risk reduction; tibia BMD, falls incidence; vertebral heightChudyk and Petrella85Type 2 DMAT 21 RCT AT + RTSBP: AT: \u00E2\u0088\u00926.1 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u009210.8, \u00E2\u0088\u00921.4]; AT + RT: \u00E2\u0080\u00933.6 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00926.9, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.2]HbA1c AT: WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.62% [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.98, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.27]; AT + RT: WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.67% [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.93, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.40]; Triglycerides AT: WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.29 mmol/L [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.48, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.11]; AT + RT: WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.30 mmol/L [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.57, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.02].Umpierre et al90Type 2 DMAT, RT, AT + RTHbA1c AT: 18/848/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.73% [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.06, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.40]; RT: 4/261/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.57% [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.14, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.01]; AT + RT: 7/404/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.51% [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.79, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.23].Irvine and Taylor86Type 2 DMRTStrength: 4/NR/SES: 0.95 [0.58, 1.31]HbA1c: 7/NR/SES: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.25 [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.47,\u00E2\u0088\u00920.03]Thomas et al89Type 2 DMAT or RTVO2 max: 3/95/MD: 4.8 mL/kg/min [2.6, 7.1]HbA1c: 13/361/MD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.62% [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.91,\u00E2\u0088\u00920.33].Kelley and Kelley87Type 2 DMATLow density lipoprotein: WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00926.4 mg/dl [\u00E2\u0088\u009211.8, \u00E2\u0088\u00921.1]Snowling and Hopkin88Type 2 DMAT, RT, or A + RTA + RT: SBP: 5/NR/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00925.6 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00929.3, \u00E2\u0088\u00921.8]; DBP: 5/NR/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00925.5 mmHg [\u00E2\u0088\u00929.9, \u00E2\u0088\u00921.1].HbA1c: AT: 17/NR/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.7% [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.0, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.4]; RT: 6/NR/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.5% [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.0, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.1]; A + RT: 5/NR/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.8% [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.3, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.2].Boul\u00C3\u00A9 et al84Type 2 DMATVO2 max: 9/266/SES: 0.53 [0.18, 0.88]HbA1c: 8/NR/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.71 [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.1, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.32]O\u00E2\u0080\u0099Brien et al91HIV \u00E2\u0080\u0093 range of severityATVO2 max: 5/276/WMD: 2.6 mL/kg/min [1.2, 4.1]; Strength: \u00E2\u0086\u0091 in 5 of 6 studiesInterval AT: CD4 cell counts: 2/45/WMD: 69.6 cells/mm3 [14.1, 125.1]; AT: Profile of moods: 2/65/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00927.7 [\u00E2\u0088\u009213.5, \u00E2\u0088\u00921.9].Krogh et al93Depression9 AT; 3 RT; 1 A + RTDepressive symptoms: 13/272/ SES: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.40 [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.66, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.14]Herring et al94Anxiety and chronic illnessAT, RT, balanceAnxiety symptoms: 38/NR/SES: 0.29 [0.23, 0.36]Mead et al96DepressionAT, RT, A + RTDepression symptoms AT: 17/640/SES: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.63 [\u00E2\u0088\u00920.95, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.30]; RT: 2/69/SES: \u00E2\u0088\u00921.34 [\u00E2\u0088\u00922.07, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.61]; A + RT: 4/198/SES: \u00E2\u0088\u00921.47 [\u00E2\u0088\u00922.56, \u00E2\u0088\u00920.37]Rethorst et al95DepressionAT, RT, AT + RTDepression scores: 58/2982/ES: \u00E2\u0088\u00920.80 [0.92, 0.67].Lawlor and Hopker92DepressionATDepressive symptoms: 9/461/SES: \u00E2\u0088\u00921.1 [\u00E2\u0088\u00921.5 to \u00E2\u0088\u00920.6]; Beck depression: 9/461/WMD: \u00E2\u0088\u00927.3 [\u00E2\u0088\u009210.0, \u00E2\u0088\u00924.6]Notes: WMD (weighted mean difference) is a calculation that provides an average mean difference of studies by weighting the means more highly when the n is larger and the variance is smaller. If the WMD is provided, the unit value for the measure is shown. SES (standardized effect size) is usually calculated by determining the difference between the pre-post values for the intervention and control groups and dividing this difference by the respective standard deviation of differences for the intervention group or the average SD of the differences for both groups.Abbreviations: AT, aerobic training; BMD, bone mineral density; DBP, diastolic blood pressure; HbA1c, glycosylated hemoglobin; MD, mean difference; OR, odds ratio; QoL, quality of life; RR, rate ratio; RT, resistance training; SES, standardized effect size; 6 MWD, six-minute walking distance; SBP, systolic blood pressure; TUG: timed up-and-go; WMD, weighted mean difference.submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress311Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7had AMSTAR scores ranging from 6 to 8, although one57 had a score of 3. Based on these papers, it can be concluded that AT and RT significantly improved numerous cardio-pulmonary exercise outcomes, including increasing VO2 max, 6MWD, maximal workload, and anaerobic threshold. It also improved several cardiac system factors, including increasing the heart rate and cardiac output during maximal exercise, improving left ventricular ejection fraction, and the end-diastolic and end-systolic ventricular volume. Two meta-analyses also reported that exercise significantly improved quality of life in these patients.55,58There were no meta-analyses that investigated the role of AT and/or RT on muscle strength or endurance. Three reviews without meta-analyses investigated the benefits of exercise on a large number of outcomes, including several that are specif ic to muscle performance.59\u00E2\u0080\u009361 Exercise improved upper and lower extremity strength and muscle endurance, increased oxidative enzyme activity in the quad-riceps muscle, and increased forearm blood flow. However, these results must be interpreted with caution as these reports were SRs without meta-analyses, and the AMSTAR scores were relatively low (2 to 6), with few details quantifying the magnitude of the effect.The AT was relatively consistent across all the studies, in terms of frequency, mode, and intensity. Subjects exercised 2\u00E2\u0080\u00937 days per week, with most trials within each SR provid-ing the exercise intervention for 3 days per week. Cycle ergometry and treadmill walking were the most commonly used modalities. Most studies prescribed an AT intensity based on a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test, with exercise intensities ranging from 50% to 80% of VO2 max. The time per session and the durations of the programs were very variable, ranging from 12 to 100 minutes and 1 to 14 months, respectively. Where described, the resis-tance training prescription tended to be based on 40% to 80% of one RM.Ischemic heart diseaseSeven SRs investigated the benefits of early mobilization, anaerobic training, and/or RT in ischemic heart disease patients.62\u00E2\u0080\u009368 The AMSTAR scores ranged from 3 to 10, with two reviews having a score of 3,63,67 and one a score of 5.68 The remaining reviews had AMSTAR scores exceeding 8.The study populations were predominantly male. There was variation in the specific type of intervention (both AT and RT), and differing endpoints were utilized to evaluate benefit and responses. Five reviews examined the effects of AT,62,63,65,66,68 three reported the effects of both AT and RT,62,66,68 one examined the sole effect of early in-hospital mobilization,64 and one examined the sole effect of RT.67 Some work focused on reporting disease-specific outcomes (ie, recurrent myocardial infarction, cholesterol and trig-lyceride levels, ejection fraction, and end-systolic and end-diastolic volumes),62,64,65,66 while others studied indices of overall activity and fitness (ie, walking distance, maximal aerobic capacity, exercise duration, and muscle strength)63,67,68 in these populations with ischemic heart disease. Quality of life and health care utilization were not studied or specifi-cally reported, and significant variation was evident in the duration of follow-up.Early in-hospital mobilization demonstrated nonsignifi-cant trends towards decreased total mortality and nonfatal re-infarction.64 The results suggest that anaerobic and RT reduces the risk of total cardiac death, recurrent myocardial infarction, as well as cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Improvements were also demonstrated in peak oxygen uptake, exercise duration, exercise workload, and 6MWD. The findings suggest that benefits were greater when exercise programming was initiated soon after an ischemic event (as early as 1 week post-myocardial infarction), and when exer-cise program duration exceeded either 3 or 6 months (rather than ,3 months).Peripheral vascular diseaseExercise training significantly improved the walking distance and pain-free walking distance in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) when compared to standard care as evidenced by two meta-analyses with relatively high AMSTAR scores of 9 and 7.69,70 Exercise training was gener-ally supervised. The optimal intensity was not clear, although it was suggested that patients exercised until near maximal pain. The majority of the studies applied an exercise regimen of two to three times per week for 30\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes, with these usually incorporating walking, leg exercises, or treadmill training. Some encouraged additional home exercise.HypertensionExercise training (mainly aerobic exercise) significantly lowered the systolic (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in people with hypertension, as supported by four meta-analyses.71\u00E2\u0080\u009374 Two of the SRs73,74 had AMSTAR scores of 8 of 11 while two others had scores of 7 and 4.71,72 VO2 max increased significantly and resting heart rate (HR) decreased after exercise training.72 Exercise training also demonstrated significant improvement in cardiovascular risk factors as shown by an increase in high density lipoprotein submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress312Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7cholesterol, and decreases in glucose, insulin levels, and the homeostatic model assessment index (a measure of insulin resistance), despite the inclusion of normotensives in the analysis.72 Reductions were greater for SBP in African\u00E2\u0080\u0093American individuals and for DBP in Asian individuals, but only a small number of trials were conducted in people of different ethnic backgrounds.74A variety of study designs were included in the meta-analyses, but the majority of the studies included training programs that involved mainly aerobic exercise (walking, jogging, cycling), usually three to five times per week, for 30 to 60 minutes, at moderate intensity. According to two SRs there is no relationship between blood pressure (BP) response and training characteristics (intensity, frequency), except for a lesser BP reduction associated with a longer total trial duration, probably due to loss of compliance in long trials.72,74Because aerobic exercise also showed positive effects in normotensives, these data suggest that aerobic exercise is an important strategy not only in treating high blood pressure, but could potentially be used as prophylaxis.74ObesityData on the effect of physical activity on fitness outcomes in this population were limited. In post-menopausal obese women, an exercise-based program improved VO2 max as shown in one RCT reported by one SR.75 A Cochrane review with an AMSTAR score of 11 did not report the effect of physical activity on VO2 max but found a decrease in DBP, reduced triglycerides and glucose, and increased HDL levels.76 The majority of trials in the two SRs consisted of AT, usually two to three times per week, at 60%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% of VO2 max or HRmax, with different durations utilized.OsteoarthritisResults from the five SRs examining the effects of exercise on patients with knee or hip OA consistently show beneficial results for fitness levels and functional performance, though emphasis was primarily on disease-specific outcomes such as joint pain or physical dysfunction.77\u00E2\u0080\u009381 AMSTAR scores were between 7 and 9, and most studies failed to report publication bias or conflicts of interest.Isotonic RT targeting the quadriceps or hamstrings muscle groups was the most common exercise interven-tion, though AT and range of motion exercises were also included. Control interventions primarily included patient education or usual care with no additional treatment. Most exercise interventions lasted 3\u00E2\u0080\u00936 months, though some were as short as 4 weeks and as long as 24 months. Some studies required daily exercise, while others included only two or three sessions per week. Individual sessions were typically 45\u00E2\u0080\u009360 minutes in length and complied with usual dosage characteristics for exercise in healthy populations (ie, three sets of ten repetitions for resistance training, and 50% to 80% of maximum heart rate for aerobic interventions).Pain and physical function were consistently improved following exercise, but no particular type of exercise was found to be superior. Studies examining RT found improve-ments in strength compared to control interventions,77,81 while studies examining the effects of AT found improvements in aerobic capacity, walking speed, and walking distance.77\u00E2\u0080\u009380 All studies found exercise to be a safe and feasible interven-tion with minimal side effects for patients with OA.OsteoporosisMost of the SRs identified in this study investigated the benefits of exercise in the prevention of osteoporosis or osteopenia in healthy, pre- or post-menopausal women. Two SRs investigated the impact of exercise in women diagnosed with osteoporosis or osteopenia, and these had AMSTAR scores of 782 and 683, indicating moderate quality overall. One of these was an SR without a meta-analysis that evaluated the benefits of AT, RT, BT, and gait on numerous exercise- and disease-related outcomes. It was reported that exercise resulted in improvements in balance measures such as the timed-up-and-go, upper extremity strength, and walking velocity, as well a reduction in fall incidence and fall-related fractures.82 The other paper included a meta-analysis investigating the benefits of RT with or without balance exercise, and reported that exercise improved several quality-of-life domains including physical function, pain, and vitality.83Type 2 diabetes mellitusSeven meta-analyses investigated the benefits of RT and or AT in people with type 2 diabetes with AMSTAR scores that ranged from 6 to 11.84\u00E2\u0080\u009390 Aerobic exercise improved VO2 max as evidenced by two SRs with AMSTAR scores of 6 and 11.84,89 Two SRs with AMSTAR scores of 6 also demonstrated reductions in SBP and DBP after AT, RT, or a combination of AT and RT.85,88 Strength measures improved after RT, as described by one SR with an AMSTAR of 7.86 Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), a measure of blood sugar levels, was the most consistent outcome reported in all of the included SRs, with a reduction in this seen in all reviews regardless of the type of exercise training.84\u00E2\u0080\u009390submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress313Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7The exercise interventions described were quite varied across the SRs. AT consisted of stationary cycling, outdoor cycling, walking, jogging, swimming, rowing, or skiing. RT was performed using a Theraband, free weights, or weight machines. AT intensity ranged 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% of VO2 max, 35%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% of HRmax, or 40%\u00E2\u0080\u009380% of HRR. RT inten-sity ranged 50%\u00E2\u0080\u009385% of one RM. The exercise sessions were between 30 and 120 minutes, and the duration of the program ranged from 5 to 52 weeks. The SRs primarily focused on the benefits of AT, RT, or a combination of these interventions. However, no studies focused on balance or functional training, or reported functional or quality-of-life outcomes.HIV/AIDSInterval and continuous AT improved VO2 max in patients living with HIV, as evidenced by a Cochrane review with an AMSTAR score of 10.91 This SR also described improved strength in five of the six studies that reported this measure. Additional benefits from exercise training include no change in the viral load, an increase in CD4 cell counts after interval AT, and improved Profile of Moods scores after AT. A sum-mary of the interventions applied is shown in Table 3.DepressionThe five SRs relating to depression were moderate-to-high quality (AMSTAR 8-11).92\u00E2\u0080\u009396 Exercise programs (AT, RT, or a combination of these) for people diagnosed with major or minor depression were found to result in improved scores on depression and mood, particularly in the short term.92,93 Medium- to long-term effects were less clear.92,93 As a group of studies, the interventions were not well described. Most examined both AT, RT, and mixed AT plus RT, except one92 that focused on AT. The intensity of AT, if described, was moderate to high.93,95 Each session was 30 to 60 minutes in length, with these performed one to five times per week, and the duration of the programs was between 10 days and 52 weeks.DiscussionThis synthesis examined 58 systematic reviews of exercise training in people with AECOPD, COPD, or eleven chronic conditions commonly associated with COPD. Overall, this review provides Level 1A evidence97 that exercise training improves generic or disease-specific measures of fitness in several disease populations. Markers of endurance (aerobic capacity, 6MWD) were shown to improve in all conditions except depression, whereas strength was shown to improve in most conditions with the exception of PVD, hypertension, obesity, and depression. In addition, several studies in dif-ferent disease populations also reported improvements in quality of life, function, control, or prevention outcomes. Depression was the only condition where SRs exclusively focused on disease-specific outcomes (measures of depres-sion and anxiety).92\u00E2\u0080\u009396 Exercise training also decreases the risk of mortality in older adults,50 and in those with COPD39 or ischemic heart disease.66Overwhelmingly, the most common types of training provided to people with all conditions reviewed were AT and RT. Balance and functional training were less commonly applied SRs of exercise training. However, these interventions had widespread application in most SRs that examined older adults,46\u00E2\u0080\u009349,51,52 and in one SR that examined OA patients79 and one that examined osteoporosis patients.82The quality of the SRs for most conditions was mod-erate to excellent (.65%) as evaluated by AMSTAR scores. However, SRs that examined training outcomes in heart failure, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, and osteoporosis scored moderately poorly on the AMSTAR ($51% but #61%). The listing of articles that were excluded from in the review was the most common item omitted from most SRs, which may have been due to page constraints. Even with this item excluded, the AMSTAR scores remained relatively low for heart failure (56%) whereas scores for the other conditions were $66%. In addition to the SR design and strength of AMSTAR scores, the number of participants and RCTs for each condition, including COPD, were large. These numbers further strengthen the foundation of evidence and recommendations for exercise training as an intervention that produces positive outcomes for COPD and commonly associated conditions.98Although COPD patients often have one or more comor-bidities, no information is available, on prescription param-eters of exercise training for patients with multimorbidity. Training parameters from studies examining conditions that are common comorbidities might be applicable, however, consideration should be give to similarities of patient demo-graphics and details of training, especially intensity. Given that the most common conditions associated with COPD are obesity (prevalence of 54%),26 osteoporosis (60%\u00E2\u0080\u009370%)23 and osteoarthritis (increasing prevalence to 40% at age 75)27 (see Table 1), data from SRs describing these conditions may have the greatest relevance. The pertinence of these data is further strengthened by the similarity in age of participants from SRs that examined exercise training in people who were obese, had osteoporosis or osteoarthritis to those affected by COPD. In contrast, subjects were somewhat younger in submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress314Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7some of the RCTs that examined obesity. Gender was mixed in all of these conditions, except in the case of the SRs on osteo-porosis in which predominantly women were studied.82,83The modalities of AT and RT for obesity, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis were similar to those typically applied for COPD patients, although exercise training for these conditions utilized more diverse types of training. The intensity of AT appeared to be much higher for obese individuals and those with arthritis compared to that prescribed for COPD patients; intensity was commonly based on aerobic or HR parameters for the former compared to walk distance or dyspnea measures used in COPD patients. This raises the notion that a broader spectrum approach to exercise training in order to improve fitness in patients with COPD and comorbidities such as obesity, osteoporosis, and osteoarthritis may be effective. However, exercise training of the more complex COPD patient (with multiple comorbidities) may result in smaller gains of disease-specific outcomes due to the inability to achieve comparable AT and RT intensities (compared to those achieved in patients with a single condition). These issues merit further study.Because obesity is a major cause of morbidity and a significant risk factor for other comorbidities such as heart disease and diabetes,26,75,76 SRs addressing exercise fitness outcomes other than body composition are needed in order to determine the overall impact of exercise training in this particular group. Although altering body composition may be the primary outcome for people who are obese, under-standing the training and physiologic determinants to achieve that goal are essential; thus fitness outcomes such as aerobic capacity and strength measures should be reported in order to better evaluate the type and intensity of training that results in improvement. Moreover, it has also recently been dem-onstrated that some obese COPD patients have better fitness outcomes than non-obese COPD patients.99 Determining how physical activity interventions can attenuate obesity, reduce cardiovascular risk factors, and improve overall fitness in people with COPD needs further attention.Depression is a common comorbidity in COPD with estimates of prevalence ranging between 10% and 80%.25 SRs that examined the effect of exercise on depression had participants with an age range similar to those with COPD, and the interventions were similar to many of the other con-ditions in this review. A major contrast to the other SRs was that only disease-specific outcomes and no generic fitness measures were reported. All five SRs demonstrated significant decreases in depression or anxiety scores.92\u00E2\u0080\u009396 These benefits were reported regardless of whether AT, RT, or a combination of AT and RT were applied. Of interest is the finding that the benefits decreased in response to longer training programs. More RCTs are needed to examine clinical sub-groups (minor, moderate, major depression), to compare different forms of exercise, and to clarify the appropriate dose/intensity of physi-cal exercise in addition to the mechanism of improvement. Designing a training program that might result in gains related to self-efficacy would be very different from a regimen that requires improved aerobic fitness or an endorphin response to induce a therapeutic benefit. A better understanding of the type of depression most commonly experienced by COPD will also provide further insight into if and how exercise training can reduce the clinical severity of these two conditions.Exercise training for older adults showed the greatest con-trasts to interventions applied to COPD and other associated conditions in this review. This is especially important given that many individuals with COPD who present for health care interventions are 65 or older. Major foci appeared to be on balance and functional training rather than predeter-mined intensities of AT or RT.46\u00E2\u0080\u009349,51,52 In addition, frequently reported outcomes by the SRs on the elderly included bal-ance/falls, and physical performance measures that were functional (ie, timed up-and-go, stair climbing) as opposed to more physiologic measures of strength and endurance. Exercise training for older adults may provide an excellent model to further broaden exercise prescription for COPD patients because, as with the elderly,48,49 people with COPD have a high relative risk of falls.100 In addition, the physical activity level of COPD patients is often comparable to much older, healthier adults. Thus, a greater focus on balance and functional training may not only reduce falls in COPD patients but might also result in greater gains in daily physical activity outside of pulmonary rehabilitation.101LimitationsAlthough this synthesis of systematic reviews examined several conditions commonly associated with COPD, the participants within each of the SRs most often had a homo-geneous presentation of the condition of interest. Only SRs of the elderly appeared to include participants with diverse and multiple morbidities. For this reason, it might be chal-lenging to apply modalities in a sufficient dose in order to induce both generic and disease-specific benefits that address a complex patient with COPD and multimorbidities. The more functional approach of physical activity training, even in the frail elderly, did result in functional gains, and this approach may also prove to be beneficial to the AECOPD patients with multimorbidities.submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress315Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Many SRs included lengthy training programs but did not compare the benefits of shorter versus longer programs, with the exception of SRs that evaluated those with hyperten-sion72,74 and depression.92,93 These SRs indicated a slightly diminished response with longer training programs, which may have resulted in a blunting of the physiologic benefits of exercise, decreased adherence to the exercise training program, or a continued onslaught of inciting factors that could no longer be countered by the benefits of exercise training.ConclusionsIn summary, this systematic review showed evidence of significant benefits from exercise training in AECOPD, COPD, and many conditions that are common comorbidities associated with COPD. Exercise training, primarily con-sisting of AT and/or RT, leads to meaningful generic and disease-specific benefits in these conditions. Meta-analyses of endurance (aerobic or exercise capacity, 6MWD) were shown to improve in most conditions whereas meta-analyses of strength were shown to improve in five of the 13 conditions (that is, COPD, older adults, heart failure, ischemic heart disease, and diabetes). Additional research is required to determine the added benefit of RT plus AT in several conditions that are common comorbidities associ-ated with COPD.A broader approach to exercise and activity prescription in pulmonary rehabilitation for AECOPD may induce thera-peutic benefits to ameliorate clinical sequelae associated with COPD and comorbidities. 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Chest. 2008;134(2):273\u00E2\u0080\u0093280.submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress318Reid et alInternational Journal of COPD 2012:7Appendix 1 Search strategy for Medline OvidMost of the numbered items are entered as keywords or phrases in the search box on the main page of Medline OvidSP. However, some line items at the end of each concept (eg, line 7) are commands to combine previous items in a particular fashion for the main concept. Asterisks indicate truncated terms in Medline. As well, abbreviations (ie, adj3) can be used to link words together.Similar search terms were used in all databases. However, the preferred term could differ and the user needed to determine if the alternate term provided in a database was suitable. In addition, the manner of truncation, labeling for title or abstract, and combining of terms differed amongst databases.Concept: COPD 1. lung diseases, obstructive/or exp pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive/or bronchitis, chronic/ 2. exp Pulmonary Emphysema/ 3. (obstruct* adj3 (pulmonary or lung* or airway* or air-flow* or bronch* or respirat*)).ti,ab. 4. ((chronic airflow or chronic airway*) adj2 (disease* or disorder* or obstruct* or limitation*)).ti,ab. 5. (COPD or COAD or chronic bronchi* or emphysema* or hyperlucent lung*).ti,ab. 6. (chronic adj3 obstructive).ti,ab. 7. or/1\u00E2\u0080\u00936Concept: comorbidities 8. bronchial diseases/or asthma/or bronchial h yperreactivity/or bronchial spasm/or bronchiectasis/or exp bronchitis/or bronchopneumonia/ 9. (bronchial disease* or asthma* or bronchial asthma* or bronchial hyperreactivit* or bronchospasm*).ti,ab.10. (bronchiectas* or bronchitis or bronchopneumonia* or bronchial pneumonia*).ti,ab.11. exp Pneumonia/12. (pneumonia* or pneumoniti* or pulmonary inflam-mation* or lung inflammation* or lobar pneumonia*).ti,ab.13. Influenza, Human/14. ((influenza adj3 human*) or human flu or influenza* or grippe).ti,ab.15. respiratory insufficiency/16. (respiratory insufficiency or respiratory failure or respira-tory depression).ti,ab.17. heart diseases/or arrhythmias, cardiac/or heart failure/or myocardial ischemia/or myocardial infarction/or pulmonary heart disease/18. (arrythmia or arrhythmia or cardiac arrhythmia* or cardiac dysrhythmia*).ti,ab.19. (heart failure or cardiac failure or myocardial failure or heart decompensation or myocardial infarction).ti,ab.20. (pulmonary heart disease* or cor pulmonale).ti,ab.21. Hypertension/22. (hypertension or high blood pressure).ti,ab.23. Diabetes Mellitus/24. (diabetes mellitus or diabetes).ti,ab.25. Obesity/or Overweight/26. (obesity or overweight).ti,ab.27. Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/28. (sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome).ti,ab.29. Depression/30. (depression* or depressive symptoms or emotional depression*).ti,ab.31. Anxiety/32. (anxiet* or nervousness or anxious).ti,ab.33. Anemia/34. (anemia* or anaemia).ti,ab.35. Osteoporosis/36. (osteoporos#s or senile osteoporos#s or bone-loss*).ti,ab.37. Osteoarthritis/38. (osteoarthritis or osteoarthritides or osteoarthros#s or degenerative arthritis).ti,ab.39. osteopenia.mp.40. exp aged/or frail elderly/41. (aged or elderly or frail elderly or frail elder* or frail older adult*).ti,ab.42. or/8\u00E2\u0080\u00934143. 7 or 42Concept: hospitalized patients44. exp Inpatients/45. Hospitalization/46. (inpatient* or in-patient* or hospitalized or hospitalised or hospitalization*).ti,ab.47. or/44\u00E2\u0080\u00934648. 43 and 47Concept: exercise49. exp exercise/or exp walking/50. exp Exercise Therapy/submit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress Dovepress319Exercise in AECOPDInternational Journal of COPDPublish your work in this journalSubmit your manuscript here: http://www.dovepress.com/international-journal-of-copd-journalThe International Journal of COPD is an international, peer-reviewed journal of therapeutics and pharmacology focusing on concise rapid reporting of clinical studies and reviews in COPD. Special focus is given to the pathophysiological processes underlying the disease, intervention programs, patient focused education, and self management protocols. This journal is indexed on PubMed Central, MedLine and CAS. The manuscript management system is completely online and includes a very quick and fair peer-review system, which is all easy to use. Visit http://www.dovepress.com/testimonials.php to read real quotes from published authors.International Journal of COPD 2012:751. Physical Fitness/52. Exercise Movement Techniques/53. (exercise* or physical exercise* or exercise therap* or walk* or ambulat* or physical fitness or physical a ctivity).ti,ab.54. (exercise* adj5 train*).mp.55. (strength* adj5 train*).mp.56. exp \u00E2\u0080\u00B3Physical Therapy (Specialty)\u00E2\u0080\u00B3/57. (physiother* or physical therap*).mp.58. Rehabilitation/59. rehabilitat*.mp.60. or/49\u00E2\u0080\u00935961. 48 and 6062. animals/not humans/63. 61 not 6264. limit 63 to Englishsubmit your manuscript | www.dovepress.comDovepress DovepressDovepress320Reid et al"@en . "Article"@en . "10.14288/1.0084710"@en . "eng"@en . "Reviewed"@en . "Vancouver : University of British Columbia Library"@en . "Dove Medical Press"@en . "10.2147/COPD.S29750"@en . "Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 Canada"@en . "http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca/"@en . "Faculty"@en . "Graduate"@en . "Other"@en . "International Journal of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, 1178-2005, v. 2012:7"@en . "Pulmonary disease"@en . "Chronic obstructive"@en . "Comorbidity"@en . "Exercise"@en . "Physical fitness"@en . "Exercise prescription for hospitalized people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and comorbidities : a synthesis of systematic reviews"@en . "Text"@en . "http://hdl.handle.net/2429/51900"@en .