Feasibility of Strength Training in Patients Hospitalized Due to COPD

The patients begin training on day 1 of admittance. The training consists of knee extension performed in the sitting position on the bed with a 90 degrees of flexion of the knees. The weight cuffs are tired to the angles with a weight corresponding to 10 RM (the weight lifted 10 times). The weights and exercises are subjected to supervision on daily basis by the physiotherapist. The weight is increased after every set of training if more than 10 rep. can be performed with a given weight. Limitations to exercise is also recorded along with the degree of dyspnoea as assessed by the Borg CR10, possible oxygen supplementation and saturation is recorded before and following exercise.