Physiological effects of internal training combined with light weight exercise programm on patients with copd

Introduction

Physical performance of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is obstructed mainly by pathophysiological irregularities of the ventilatory system. On the other hand, training should be part of the modern treatment of COPD patients. The purpose of this study was to examine the physiological responses to different types of exercise training in patients with COPD.

Methods

Thirty COPD patients with forced expiratory volume in one second 50% of the predicted value were randomly assigned to Interval Training Group (IT) and Combined Interval and Strength Training Group (CIG). Both groups underwent an 8-week cycle ergometer program 3 times per week, 45 minutes per session (work for 30s at 90% work rate alternate with 20s rest interval). In addition CIG group experienced a muscular-endurance strength-training regimen (3 sets x 30 reps at 50% for 4 weight lifting exercises). All patients performed the YMCA cycle ergometer test to predict aerobic capacity (VO2max) prior and after the 8-week study period. Members of CIG group also performed 1 RM (repetition maximum) effort for the selected weight lifting exercises, prior the start of the training. Analysis of variance test (1- way ANOVA) was used to detect possible significant differences between groups and if significant the Tukey’s post hoc test was used (p<.05). No significant differences between groups were present prior the start of the training sessions.

Results

CIG group revealed significantly greater gains in Exercise Tolerance (19.8% vs. 15.4%) and VO2max (9.9% vs. 4.9%) compared to the IT group. At identical levels of exercise minute ventilation was significantly reduced for both groups. However, the magnitude of improvement was significantly greater for CIG group (5.6% difference).

Discussion / Conclusions

Evidence in the literature supports the idea of interval training as part of the COPD treatment. According to the results of this study -which are consistent with previous investigations [1], [2]- it appears that strength training is a useful addition to interval training. Further research is needed to determine the optimal exercise regimen for patients with ventilatory problems by considering a) health and training status of each patient, b) the appropriate mode of exercise, and c) the intensity of exercise.

References

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2. Wright P.R., Heck H., Langenkamp H., Franz K.H., and WeberU. (2002). Pneumologie, 56(7), 413-417.