ABSTRACT
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is progressively disabling and is a leading cause of death throughout the world. The inability to engage in the usual activities of daily living is one of the most distressing experiences of people afflicted with COPD. Exercise intolerance progresses relentlessly as the disease advances, and can lead to virtual immobility and social isolation. Effective symptom control and improvement of exercise capacity are among the major goals for the management of COPD, and are the primary focus of this review.
