Aims and objectives: This study was performed to investigate the effects of respiratory rehabilitation programmes on exercise capacity in terms of the programme type, the protocol used and other programme characteristics.
Background: As the suitable rehabilitation programmes have not been specified, diverse programmes are provided in clinics.
Design: Meta-analysis of the primary study results.
Methods: A computerized search through MEDLINE and CINHAL in addition to tracking down references cited in bibliographies of primarily searched studies were performed to obtain sample studies. Finally 19 research reports were examined.
Results: The results of meta-regression showed that the combined effect size of the programmes on exercise capacity was unaffected by forced expiratory volume (in one second), age, the duration and frequency of the programme, or study quality. In addition, the results of meta-anova indicated that the combined effect size was not affected by (i) whether a programme was hospital based or not, (ii) whether a programme was lower-extremity or combined low- and upper-extremity exercise training, (iii) measurement time, and (iv) exercise intensity.
Conclusions: The effects of programmes on exercise capacity were not differed in terms of the places where rehabilitation programmes were applied, programme content, measurement time, exercise target sites of body, and the duration and frequency of the programme.
Relevance to clinical practice: The results of the present study can provide objective data when constructed or applied on a respiratory rehabilitation programme in clinics.