Mobile-phone-based Home Exercise in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background: Moderate-intensity exercise training improves skeletal muscle aerobic capacity and increased oxidative enzyme activity, as well as exercise tolerance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients. Design: To investigate the home-based exercise training program can reduce inflammatory biomarkers in COPD. Setting: Conducted from January 2007 to December 2007 at a tertiary medical center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. Patients: Moderate to severe COPD receiving home exercise training, 12 using mobile phone assistance and 14 with free walk, were assessed for 6 months. Measurements: Incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT), spirometry, strength of limb muscles, C-reactive protein (CRP) and inflammatory cytokines.