The analysis shows that there was a statically significant difference in SMWT between some of the groups as they
progressed through the different stages of the exercise programme.
This would suggest that there is evidence of benefit in increased physical activity or functional capacity over a sustained period of exercise.
This would imply that although some benefits may be conferred during participation in shorter or time-limited programmes, longer, more sustainable interventions have the potential to deliver greater improvements.
However, the outcome data for improvements in QOL were not significant, although there were improvements in scores in some of the groups (Table 4).