Community-based pulmonary rehabilitation in people with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) - economic benefit?

INTERVENTION: 6 weeks of twice weekly supervised training compared to usual care. The sessions will be supervised by an experienced physiotherapist in pulmonary rehaiblitation. The duration of sessions is 60 minutes. EAch sessions will consist of a combination of walking training, cycling and light upper and lower limb weights. The training is all conducted in a group setting. CONDITION: COPD PRIMARY OUTCOME: QALYs ; Healthcare usage from Medicare Benefits Scheme and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme ; Hospitalisation rates SECONDARY OUTCOME: Hospital anxiety and depression scale ‐ psychological symptoms Incremental shuttle walk distance (ISWD) ‐ exercise capacity ; St George's respiratory questionnaire ‐ health related quality of life INCLUSION CRITERIA: Diagnosis of COPD (Physician and FEV1/FVC < 70% predicted) with stage 2 to 4 and significant smoking history of a minimum of 10 pack years Exertional dyspnoea of 2‐4 according to MMRC