| Intervention | Content | Intensity | Frequency | Start |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cohort | Guideline-directed physical therapy (gdPT): | One or more of: | Ranging on the full intensity scale | On average: | Â |
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 | Â | ||||
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 | Â | Â | Â |
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 |