Table 1 Intervention protocols for randomised trial and BreathingSpace

Duration of programme

Twice weekly 2 hour classes for 6 weeks (total 12 hours)

Twice weekly 90 minute classes for 8 weeks (total 12 hours)

Delivery of programme

Delivered by physiotherapist and support worker, assessments performed by research team

Delivered by trained support workers supervised by physiotherapist or occupational therapist

Content of programme

1 hour of review, warm-up, exercise and cool-down; 1 hour for education; participants being encouraged to exercise between formal classes. Exercise diary kept between sessions and individualised exercise booklet provided at the end of the course.

1 hour of warm-up, exercise and cool-down; 30 minutes for education; participants being encouraged to exercise and keep an exercise diary between formal classes.

Inclusion/exclusion criteria

Diagnosis of COPD by respiratory physician, using GOLD guidelines

Diagnosed respiratory condition confirmed with spirometry;

Medical Research Council (MRC) grade 3 or worse dyspnoea despite optimal medical care

Experiencing breathlessness in day to day life despite optimal respiratory medication

Clinically stable at least 4 weeks before commencing rehabilitation.

No cardiac event in the past 3 months and any known cardiac condition well controlled and stable.