| Methods |
Randomised, parallel group design |
| Participants |
49 patients with stable COPD referred to rehabilitation program by pulmonologist |
| Interventions |
8 week supervised treadmill (60min 4 x wk) versus 8 week unsupervised home walking program (3‐4 km 4 x wk). Both then were followed up 11 months later. |
| Outcomes |
In the incremental and constant work‐rate exercise test the VO2 max, duration on treadmill, VCO2, lactate accumulation and respiratory rate were improved more in the center based group. There was no difference in quality of life or lung function tests (between groups). After 13 months however there was no significant difference between groups. |
| Notes |
Eight dropouts were not included in analysis. See text (possible longer term follow‐up of P‐Maestu 2000) |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Unclear risk |
B ‐ Unclear |
