One-to-one supervision on an individual basis is unlikely to be feasible or cost-effective, however, use of a home exercise video could enhance adherence to prescribed exercise programmes. Video media can be an effective means of delivering exercise instruction. No published research to date has investigated the effectiveness of a home exercise video for patients with COPD. We hypothesised that an exercise programme based on video instruction at home, could improve walking ability, breathlessness and quality of life.