EFFECTS OF ENDURANCE AND STRENGTH TRAINING IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease (mainly caused by smoking) that is characterized by a non-reversible airflow limitation. Patients may present with dyspnea, exercise intolerance and changes in the perception of quality of life. These manifestations with clinical therapies improve slightly, but the fitness achieved from training for endurance and strength seems essential since optimizes cardiorespiratory and musculoskeletal condition, reduces symptoms and improves exercise capacity. Objective: To find evidence about the influence of the execise training designed  to the peripheral muscles and its impact on dyspnea, exercise tolerance and quality of life.   Methods: This is a revision update theme. We used books and articles (published between 2000 and 2011) in virtual libraries Lilacs, SciELO; Bireme; PubMed, MedLine and collected between September and November 2011. Results: Six articles (published from 2001 to 2010), which demonstrated benefits of training with a minimum frequency of 2 to 3 times / week for at least six weeks on the variables were found, especially in staging moderate and severe COPD. Conclusion: The treatment for patients with COPD should include, in addition to conservative treatment, aerobic and anaerobic training of peripheral muscles, and standartized studies containing volume and intensity training are needed.