What the study found
Inspiratory training improved respiratory-muscle strength and endurance compared with education, while evidence for other rehabilitation comparisons remained limited.
Participants and protocol
This systematic review included sixteen randomized trials in adults with COPD and used meta-analysis where the available comparisons allowed it.
What this cannot establish
The comparison group matters: benefits against education are not proof of added benefit over comprehensive rehabilitation. This older clinical review is not a healthy-athlete training prescription.
Publication details
- Record
- PubMed 17146997
- Publication types
- Meta-Analysis · Comparative Study · Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't · Systematic Review
- Indexed subjects
- Respiratory Muscles · Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive · Dyspnea · Breathing Exercises · Exercise Tolerance
- Source record checked
- 2026-10-18
Publication type and subject indexing describe the record; they are not a quality grade or proof of a benefit. An abstract does not replace a review of the full methods and results.
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Research summaries for endurance athletes, with study context, practical protocols, and clear limitations.
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