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Table 1 Contrasts between RCT experimental and control group and cohort

From: Exacerbations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease receiving physical therapy: a cohort-nested randomised controlled trial

 

Intervention

Content

Intensity

Frequency

Start

Cohort

Guideline-directed physical therapy (gdPT):

One or more of:

Ranging on the full intensity scale

On average:

 

Exercise training, peripheral muscle strength training, respiratory muscle training, breathing exercises, electrical muscle stimulation, physical activity in daily life (homework)

30 minutes to 1 hour

A programme made by individual PTs, within the limitations of the KNFG physical therapy guideline for COPD (usual care)

1 to 3 times a week

During 3 months to multiple years

 

RCT experimental group

Protocol-directed physical therapy (pdPT):

Both exercise training and peripheral muscle strength training;

Endurance/ interval training ≥ 60% of (sub) maximum, muscle strength training ≥ 80% of maximum, always: borg-scale ≥5

Minimal:

Early PT: starting within 56 days after an acute exacerbation

1 hour

A complete programme by protocol, according to the KNGF physical therapy guideline for COPD, but with strict conditions

Twice a week

When indicated: respiratory muscle training, breathing exercises, electrical muscle stimulation

During 12 months

Always: physical activity in daily life (homework)

RCT control group

Sham-treatment (ST):

One-time consultation: advice to be physically active in daily life

   

No physical therapy

Or

Maximal:

Very low-intensity exercise training

Exercise training only

Endurance/ interval training ≤ 15% of (sub) maximum or borg-scale ≤2

30 minutes

Once a week

During 12 months

  1. Definition of abbreviations: RCT = randomised controlled trail; COPD = chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; KNGF = the Dutch Society for Physical Therapy.