To examine the efficacy of the circuit training in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we evaluated muscle forces of the upper and lower extremities and respiratory muscles, exercise tolerance and quality of life (QOL) before and after the circuit training in 10 male patients with mild to severe COPD. The circuit training improved muscle forces of the upper and lower extremities and abdominal muscles (P < 0.05), and 6 min walking distance (P < 0.05). Emotional function and mastery in the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire scores (P < 0.05) were also improved after the circuit training. The circuit training designed in the present study was effective to improve the QOL in elderly COPD patients.