INTRODUCTION: Peripheral muscle dysfunction in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) contributes for the intolerance exercise, but there was no consensus about appropriate strategies of exercise training for these patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the resistance exercise in upper limb in COPD patients (from moderate to very severe cases) on the muscular strength and functional capacity. METHODS: Twelve patients with COPD were separated into two groups: control (GC) and trained (GT). The GT carried out strength training three times a week, during six weeks, starting with load of 80% of one repetition maximum (1 RM). Before and after the treatment were carried out the 1 RM test and the Pegboard and Ring Test (PBRT) in both groups. RESULTS: After the treatment, there was a significant increase of the strength muscle in the GT (increase of 52% in the supine and 22% in the pulley, with p < 0.05); and in the PBRT there were no significant difference in both groups. CONCLUSION: The upper limb strength training during six weeks was able to improve the muscle strength, but not the functionality of COPD patients (from moderate to very severe cases).
Rehabilitation; Physiotherapy; Upper limb; Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
