Randomised controlled trial of rehabilitation in chronic respiratory disability.

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Abstract
A randomized, controlled study of the effects of exercise training in 39 patients with chronic respiratory disability was performed. Exercise training began with 6 wk in a rehabilitation center and was continued at home. The original control group attended the rehabilitation center after the controlled part of the study. The treated group experienced subjective benefits from rehabilitation. The 12 min walking distance increased on average from 523 to 643 m in the treatment group and from 564 to 607 m in the control group. The treatment effect of 77 m (SE 33 m) was significant at the 5% level. Treadmill exercise performance changed little and resting lung function was unaltered after rehabilitation. The treatment group maintained most of their improvement 7 mo. later and the original control subjects improved after their rehabilitation. Beneficial effects of exercise training in the chronically breathless are confirmed. Apparently, the 12 min walking distance is a useful index of changes in everyday exercise tolerance.