Exercise training reduced the frequency of acute exacerbations ( median 1 [ IQR 1-3 ] ) compared to the control group ( 2 [ 1-3 ] ) over 12months follow up ( p = 0.012 ) , with a longer time to first exacerbation with exercise training of 8months ( 95 % CI 7 to 9months ) compared to the control group ( 6months [ 95 % CI 5 to 7months ] , p = 0.047 ) .