Positive effects of aerobic physical activity in institutionalized older subjects complaining of dyspnea

Dyspnea is a common complaint in older subjects, but in some patients a disease responsible for this symptom is not found. We aimed to evaluate the effects of a short program of regular aerobic physical activity on dyspnea and ability to walk in a sample of older nursing home residents without evidence of cardiac and pulmonary disease. Limitation from dyspnea in daily activities was reported by 82% of residents; 34% of these individuals did not show any evidence of cardiac or pulmonary disease. In these subjects a 4-week period of daily exercise training compared with no intervention resulted in a significant improvement of dyspnea and endurance to walking. Dyspnea is an extremely common complaint in elderly residents in long-term facilities. About one-third of these subjects do not show evidence of cardiac or pulmonary disease. In these individuals a short period of exercise training has favorable effects on dyspnea and ability to walk.