Resp Care
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Adjuncts to physical training of patients with severe COPD: oxygen or noninvasive ventilation?
Previous studies have shown positive effects from noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or supplemental oxygen on exercise capacity in patients with COPD. However, the best adjunct for promoting physiologic adaptations to physical training in patients with severe COPD remains to be investigated. ⋯ NIV alone is better than supplemental oxygen alone in promoting beneficial physiologic adaptations to physical exercise in patients with severe COPD.