Table 1.
Baseline characteristics of the study population (n = 21)
| Training group | Control group | Group differences | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number | 13 | 8 | n.s. |
| Sex (F/M) | 8/5 | 5/3 | n.s. |
| Age (years) | 54 ± 11 | 59 ± 9 | n.s. |
| Duration of disease (years) | 19 ± 22 | 21 ± 15 | n.s. |
| Allergic asthma | 5/13 | 4/8 | n.s. |
| Body mass index (kg/m2) | 23 ± 1.6 | 22 ± 2.1 | n.s. |
| VC (L) | 3.4 ± 0.9 | 3.0 ± 0.8 | n.s. |
| FVC (L) | 3.3 ± 0.9 | 3.0 ± 1.0 | n.s. |
| VC %pred | 89 ± 14% | 80 ± 14% | n.s. |
| FEV1 (L) | 2.2 ± 0.8 | 2.0 ± 0.7 | n.s. |
| FEV1 %pred | 74 ± 24% | 67 ± 16% | n.s. |
| FEV1 / FVC (%) | 0.66 ± 0.092 | 0.66 ± 0.085 | n.s. |
| Medication | n.s. | ||
| ICS (mg/d) | 0.85 ± 0.4 | 0.8 ± 0.4 | n.s. |
| long acting beta agonist | 6/13 | 3/8 | n.s. |
| montelukast | 2/13 | 1/8 | n.s. |
Values are mean ± standard deviation.
F: female.
FEV1: forced expiratory volume in one second in litre/% of predicted.
ICS: inhaled corticosteroids (relative to beclomethasone).
M: male.
n.s.: not significant.
OC: intermittent use of oral corticosteroids during the study period.
VC: vital capacity.