| Physiological | Clinical |
| Increased FEV1 and FVC | Reduce dyspnoea at rest and during exercise |
| Reduced resting and dynamic hyperinflation | Increase exercise capacity |
| Increase self-paced walking distance and V′O2,max | Reduce frequency of night time symptoms (LABA) |
| Improve respiratory muscle function secondary to better chest wall geometry (direct muscle effect with T is controversial) | Improve health status (LABA, LAIA, regular AC and T) |
| Reduce the frequency of exacerbations (LABA, LAIA and possibly AC) |
FEV1: forced expiratory volume in one second
FVC: forced vital capacity
V′O2,max: maximum oxygen consumption
LABA: long-acting inhaled beta-agonists
LAIA: long-acting inhaled anticholinergic
AC: short-acting inhaled anticholinergic
T: theophylline
When statement is not qualified it applies to all classes of drug