Effect of rehabilitation program on endocrinological parameters in patients with COPD and in healthy subjects.

Background: Skeletal muscle wasting commonly occurs in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and has been associated with the presence of systemic inflammation and endocrinological disturbance. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of rehabilitation program on the balance of anabolic versus catabolic hormone in patients with COPD and in healthy subjects.

Methods: Nineteen patients with COPD and 16 age-matched healthy subjects undertooked exercise training 3 days/week for 8 weeks.