Effects of unsupported arm training on arm exercise-related perception in COPD patients

► The impact of upper extremity training on UAE dyspnea and arm fatigue remains unclear. ► Arm training might affect unsupported arm exercise-related perception by decreasing motor output to respiratory muscles. ► UAET improved outcome measurements without affecting chest wall operational volumes or configuration. ► A reduction in ventilation correlated with a simultaneoreduction in chemical output. ► A decrease in ventilatory demand relative to decreased central motor output accounted for a decrease in arm and respiratory effort in UAET.