Clinical predictors of the efficacy of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme in patients with COPD.

Objectives: To identify predictors of success for an 8week pulmonary rehabilitation programme (PRP) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Methods: Sixty patients were stratified in subgroups according to baseline findings: airway obstruction (FEV(1) >/= or <50% pred), pulmonary hyperinflation (TLC > or or /= or <60mmHg). Outcome measurements of PRP were: >54m increase in 6min walking test (6MWT), or >4points reduction in total score of S.