Aim: To compare the effects of calisthenic and cycle exercises with no exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
Method: Forty-seven participants were allocated to either a cycle or calisthenic exercise or control group. Outcome measures, including Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire, pulmonary functions, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, Fitness Testing, and Hospital Anxiety-Depression, Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea, Fatigue Severity, Fatigue Impact Scales, were performed before and after the intervention.
Results: The change in VE/VCO2 significantly differed (p = 0.01) between two exercise groups. Physical fitness, quality of life, anxiety-depression, dyspnea and fatigue changed significantly in exercise groups, with no between-group differences. There were no significant improvements in control group.
Conclusion: Calisthenics are as safe and effective as cycle exercise and could be included in comprehensive treatment programs.
Keywords: COPD; Calisthenics; cycle exercise training; exercise testing; quality of life.