Healthy volunteers
Not accepted
Inclusion Criteria: (1) age between 50 and 80 years; (2) a post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) \< 80% of the predicted value and a FEV1/ forced vital capacity (CVF) ratio \< 0,7; (3) stable respiratory/clinical condition without changes in medication and symptoms (dyspnea, volume or color of sputum) for at least 4 weeks before admission to the study; and (4) receiving regular treatment with inhaled bronchodilators and steroids.
Exclusion Criteria: (1) presence of other pulmonary, cardiovascular or musculoskeletal diseases; (2) previously participation in any exercise-training program in the last 2 years before participating in this study; and (3) current smokers.
