Table 2 Effects of PR on exercise capacity, symptoms at peak exercise, and HRQL

Maximal WR (watt)

78.8 ± 28.3

84.5 ± 25.9

5.7 ± 16.3

0.011

Maximal WR (%)

92.1 ± 28.3

103.4 ± 26.4

11.3 ± 22.2

 < 0.001

Peak VO2 (mL/min)

1,069.6 ± 245.2

1,141.1 ± 278.7

71.5 ± 182.7

0.005

Peak VO2 (%)

79.0 ± 16.8

83.4 ± 15.7

4.5 ± 11.9

0.007

Leg soreness during exercise

4.1 ± 1.6

3.6 ± 1.4

 − 0.5 ± 1.6

0.029

Dyspnea during exercise

4.6 ± 2.1

3.7 ± 1.7

 − 0.9 ± 1.9

0.001

Total CAT score

11.4 ± 5.6

9.5 ± 4.4

 − 1.9 ± 4.7

0.004

Cough

1.8 ± 1.0

1.7 ± 0.9

 − 0.1 ± 0.9

0.312

Phlegm

1.4 ± 1.1

1.1 ± 0.9

 − 0.3 ± 1.0

0.042

Chest tightness

1.7 ± 1.2

1.6 ± 1.1

 − 0.2 ± 1.1

0.249

Breathlessness

1.8 ± 1.2

1.5 ± 1.0

 − 0.3 ± 1.1

0.046

Limited activities

0.8 ± 0.8

0.6 ± 0.8

 − 0.2 ± 0.8

0.118

Confidence in leaving home

0.9 ± 1.2

0.6 ± 1.0

 − 0.3 ± 1.2

0.055

Sleeplessness

1.5 ± 1.2

1.3 ± 1.1

 − 0.2 ± 0.8

0.041

Lack of energy

1.4 ± 1.1

1.2 ± 1.0

 − 0.2 ± 0.9

0.109