Implications
The findings of the present study suggest that individuals
with FAOA who are referred to a PRP are likely
to be able to tolerate higher intensities of exercise than
their counterparts with moderate/severe COPD. We suggest
that the role of pulmonary rehabilitation specialists
for patients with FAOA is to screen for complicating factors,
provide reassurance that exercise is safe and effective
and, if available, offer referral to community-based
exercise programs such as may exist for middle-aged and
older individuals with other chronic conditions.