Abstract
Few effective therapies exist for patients with COPD. Rehabilitative therapy aimed at curing dysfunction of the peripheral muscles may be an appropriate addition to this short list. This review does the following: (1) presents evidence that skeletal muscle dysfunction is present in COPD patients; (2) considers the mechanisms of this dysfunction; (3) describes the role of exercise training in correcting this disorder; and (4) speculates that anabolic hormone supplementation may find a place in COPD therapy. Further research will be necessary to refine these concepts.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Anabolic Agents / therapeutic use
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Biomechanical Phenomena
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Dyspnea / etiology
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Dyspnea / physiopathology
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Dyspnea / therapy
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Exercise Therapy
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Humans
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Lactic Acid / metabolism
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Lung Diseases, Obstructive / complications
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Lung Diseases, Obstructive / physiopathology*
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Lung Diseases, Obstructive / therapy
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Muscle Contraction
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Muscle Weakness / complications
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Muscle Weakness / physiopathology
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Muscle Weakness / therapy
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Muscle, Skeletal / drug effects
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Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
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Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology*
Substances
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Anabolic Agents
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Lactic Acid