Physical exercises have been a vital part in the treatment of COPD patients since some time ago. These patients frequently present intolerance to exercises of variable intensity related to the skeletal-muscle dysfunction. In this context, the physical exercise is presented as the most important branch in the pulmonary rehabilitation process. The aerobic exercise and the strength training are vital in the increment of the physical capacity and quality of life, especially for individuals who present moderate or acute forms of the COPD. Furthermore, a higher research development is currently expected in relation to the application of neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMEE) and to the judicious use of ergogenic substances such as anabolic steroids and oral creatin. Considering the negative repercussion of the muscle dysfunctions and the importance of the pulmonary rehabilitation in the treatment of COPD, this reviewing has as objective to gather information from relevant studies with regard to the main strategies for the skeletal-muscular reconditioning in patients in the last 15 years.
Physical exercise; Pulmonary rehabilitation; Muscle dysfunction