This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Exercise has been shown to increase physical function in patients with COPD despite a lack of improvement in their lung function. These results suggest that it is other organ systems, and not the lungs, that respond to training and result in the improvements. There is evidence to suggest that the skeletal muscle of COPD patients is affected by the disease, and it is the skeletal muscle that responds to the exercise training. Recent research indicates that these muscular abnormalities in COPD patients may be associated with elevated cytokine level. Additionally, changes in the cytokine genes have been shown to modulate the inflammatory response and may play a role in the progression towards disability. The primary purpose of this investigation will be to determine the effect of two different exercise interventions on physical activity levels, physical function, body composition, and cytokine levels in patients with COPD.
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