Short-term exercise training in virtual reality in patients with COPD, solution or white elephant ?

To date, only few studies have reported the resuts of pulmonary rehabilitation programs incorporating virtual reality (VR) in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to observe effects of VR training combined with traditional pulmonary rehabilitation (TPR) when compared to TPR combined with exercise capacity training in patients with COPD. The study recruited 68 patients with COPD to a two week, five times a week intervention. The TPR program consisted of fitness exercises, breathing exercises, postural drainage positions, inhalation and relaxation training. The Xbox 360® was used for the VR training, along with the Kinect® Adventures software. The exercise capacity training were performed on cycle ergometer. Comparison of the changes in the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) was the primary outcome. Analysis was performed using linear mixed-effects models. The in-group analysis of the data showed a significant improvement within results of the SFT in both groups. The comparison of the results of the Arm curl, Chair stand and 6MWT, showed statistically significant change between I vs. II group. Moreover, results revealed that patients in group II obtained greatest change. This study suggests that pulmonary rehabilitation program supplemented with VR training (instead of exercise capacity training) is a beneficial intervention for enhancing mobility and exercise tolerance.