Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects of exercise therapy on activity of daily living (ADL), perception of dyspnea and quality of life (QOL) in stable patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods 40 COPD stable patients accepted treadmill exercise for 8 weeks. 6-min walk test (6MWT), the parameters of cardiopulmonary exercise test, ADL, perception of dyspnea (Borg Scale), and St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) were measured before and after exercise. Results ADLs in different levels (P<0.05), especially in higher level (P<0.01), were significantly improved in all patients after exercise. Perception of dyspnea (Borg Scale) was also improved significantly (P<0.01). There was positive correlation between ADL and QOL （r=0.455, P<0.01), but negative between dyspnea and QOL （r=-0.412,P<0.05). Conclusion Exercise therapy can improve the ADL and perception of dyspnea in daily activities in patients with COPD, as well as QOL.

Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary rehabilitation, exercise, activity of daily living (ADL), perception of dyspnea, quality of life (QOL)