Comparing the Effectiveness of Single Exercises on Improving Exercise Capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients: Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease that significantly impairs the quality of life of patients. Single exercises can help COPD patients focus on enhancing specific physical abilities, and enable a more precise analysis of the specific effects of single exercises on improving exercise capacity in COPD patients. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of single exercises in improving the exercise capacity of COPD patients and to conduct an indirect comparison to identify the most efficacious intervention. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive search for randomized controlled trials in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Embase, and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, from their inception to July 1, 2024. A network meta-analysis was used. We calculated mean differences and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals to quantify the effect sizes and assess the precision of the estimates. Results: 65 studies that met the inclusion criteria, encompassing a total sample size of 5,034 participants. The meta-analysis demonstrated that single exercises significantly enhanced the exercise capacity in COPD patients. Upon direct comparison, several exercises showed significant improvements in exercise capacity compare to conventional therapy. Core muscle Elastic band exercise appeared to provide the most substantial benefit in enhancing exercise capacity in COPD patients. Conclusion: Healthcare providers are encouraged to consider incorporating Core muscle Elastic band exercise into their intervention plans, given its demonstrated efficacy. However, the presence of substantial heterogeneity among the included studies highlights the need for caution in interpreting these results.