People with chronic lung disease can strengthen their arms and legs with resistance training, and this strength may help them perform everyday tasks more easily, according to a new review of 18 studies.
Small but significant increases in strength of arm and leg muscles were seen after short-term progressive resistance training.
Often, the researchers noted, COPD patients don't have access to weight machines. However, home exercises with resistance bands, free weights, and other simple equipment can also be helpful.