It was notable that the increase in the SF-36 physical
component summary score observed immediately following
training was not evident at the 3-month followup. This finding highlights the relatively short duration
of any improvements despite subjects being provided
with a home exercise program at the end of the supervised
training period. Although any improvements may
have been better maintained had subjects been offered a
formal maintenance program, at present the role and recommended
format of maintenance programs in patients
with chronic lung disease is unclear [30] .