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Research in the Rehabilitation Clinical Trials Center,
partially supported by PERF, has achieved major contributions to the
understanding of exercise intolerance in COPD patients. Established in 1998 at
the Harbor-UCLA Research and Education Institute,
it is dedicated to top level clinical research. Major achievements include:
- Demonstrated that vigorous exercise is capable of
markedly improving exercise tolerance, even in patients with severe lung
disease.
- Evaluated the utility of strength training programs in
improving functional capabilities and strength of patients with COPD.
- Expanded the understanding of the utility of oxygen
therapy in improving the exercise tolerance of COPD patients who do not meet the
usual criteria for requiring supplemental oxygen.
- Investigated new oxygen conservation strategies to
improve the utility of ambulatory oxygen therapy.
- Evaluated new bronchodilator and anti-inflammatory
drugs intended to improve lung function and exercise tolerance in COPD patients.
- Established the value of pursed lip breathing
techniques in patients with emphysema and bronchitis.
- Defined abnormalities in muscle function in patients
with lung disease that can limit exercise tolerance.
- Showed that an appetite stimulant was effective in
increasing body weight in underweight COPD patients.
- Completed
a study showing that anabolic drugs can increase muscle size and strength in men
with obstructive lung disease.
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