Progressive exercise training: Subjective and objective changes

Abstract

The long term physiological and psychological changes that may follow periods of progressive exercise training and physiotherapy were assessed in a double blind controlled trial in a group of 128 patients with severe chronic airflow limitation and exercise tolerance limited by breathlessness. Feelings of well being were significantly improved in both treatment groups compared to the control group (P <. 001), and were more significant than any objective changes. Levels of mood disturbance fell significantly in the group having physiotherapy. All changes were maintained without constant clinical visits for reinforcement. In the absence of objective improvement significant and helpful subjective benefit may be obtained in this group by exercise training and further enhanced by teaching breathing control.