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Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves function in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a community-based exercise program may be necessary to maintain functional capacity. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of a post-rehabilitation, community-based maintenance program on exercise tolerance, functional capacity and quality of life.

Patients with COPD who completed PR were randomized to receive a community-based maintenance program (intervention) or usual care (control). The primary outcome was 6-min walk distance (6MWD), measured immediately post-PR, 6 months and 12 months later. Secondary outcomes included self-reported functional capacity, health-related quality of life, self-efficacy, program cost, and lower extremity muscle strength.

Ninety-seven patients (69 ± 9 years) were enrolled. There was a non-significant trend of an …