We included 11 r and omized controlled trials ( 331 participants ) and 2 previous systematic review s. The meta-analyses showed equal improvements in HRQoL , walking distance and exercise capacity .
In conclusion , we found significantly increased leg muscle strength favouring a combination of RT with ET compared with ET alone .
Resistance training ( RT ) is thought to be effective in preventing muscle depletion , whereas endurance training ( ET ) is known to improve exercise capacity and health-related quality of life ( HRQoL ) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) .
Our objectives were to assess the efficiency of combining RT with ET compared with ET alone .
[Functional effects of different training in patients with COPD].
Disability and exertional dyspnea associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has led to the development of rehabilitation programmes that aim to increase exercise tolerance and relief of dyspnea . To evaluate whether aerobic training ( training groups P1 and P4 ) , strength training ( P2 and P5 ) or a combination of both ( P4 and P6 ) is useful , 69 patients ( 44 m/25 f ) with moderate to severe COPD were r and omised to a three week inpatient training program . The training consisted of three weekly twenty minute exercise sessions without ( P1 - P3 ) or with supplemental oxygen ( P4 - P6 ) on a calibrated ergocycle ( 70 % W(max ) ) or three weekly sessions of 20 - 25 repetitions of 2 - 4 training series ( 40 % W(max ) ) or a combination of both . In general , the programme failed to demonstrate significant changes in lung function and arterial blood gases . Evaluation of exercise capacity via the six-minute-walking test ( 6MT ) yielded a significant increase of the walking distance in all groups except P2 ( 60 - 83 m ) , The time to finish a test-set of daily activities ( TAF ) was reduced in all groups ( 5 - 58 sec ) and reached significance in P1 , P3 , P5 and P6 . After the 6MT , exertional dyspnea improved in all groups except P4 and was significant in P1 and P3 ; after the TAF , dyspnea again was reduced in all groups with a significant change in P2 and P5 . These data support the hypotheses that a short term inpatient training programme is suitable to improve exercise-capacity and dyspnea .  Patients with advanced disease ( P4 - P6 ) show greater benefits with strength training ( alone or in combination with aerobic training ) while for patients with moderate disease ( P1 - P3 ) aerobic training is favourable . These changes may translate into improved performance of daily activities and general well-being
We included 11 r and omized controlled trials ( 331 participants ) and 2 previous systematic review s. The meta-analyses showed equal improvements in HRQoL , walking distance and exercise capacity .
In conclusion , we found significantly increased leg muscle strength favouring a combination of RT with ET compared with ET alone .
Resistance training ( RT ) is thought to be effective in preventing muscle depletion , whereas endurance training ( ET ) is known to improve exercise capacity and health-related quality of life ( HRQoL ) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) .
Our objectives were to assess the efficiency of combining RT with ET compared with ET alone .