Abstract
Background: The repercussions of using the ATS/ERS criteria for oxygen supplementation (OS) during an exercise training (ET) program in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were not yet studied in depth.
Aim: To compare the work rate (W) progression during a high-intensity ET in patients who need or do not need OS according to the ATS/ERS criteria.
Methods: Twenty-five patients with COPD were evaluated pre and post ET (3 times/week, 12 weeks) by spirometry, one repetition maximum test (1RM), incremental shuttle walking test (ISWT) and 6-minute walking test (6MWT). Patients were separated into two groups taking into account the need of OS during the ET (GO2; n=10) or not (GnotO2; n=15).
Results: Compared to GnotO2, GO2 presented worse airway obstruction (FEV1 28[19-54] vs 57[46-71] %pred) and exercise capacity (6MWT 76[70-88] vs 92[86-99] %pred; ISWT 55[42-68] vs 79[56-96] %pred), respectively (P<0.05 for all). During the ET program, GnotO2 had a faster increase in the % of maximum W sustained on the cycle ergometer (week 1 vs 6,9,12 and 3 vs 12) compared to GO2 (week 1 vs 9,12), and speed sustained on the treadmill, as %6MWT (GnotO2: week 1 vs 6,9,12 and 3 vs 12; GO2: 3 vs 12), as well as %ISWT (GnotO2: week 1 vs 6,9,12; GO2: 1 vs 9,12). Concerning muscle strength, GnotO2 had a faster increase in %1RM of quadriceps force (week 1 vs 6,9,12; GO2: 1 vs 9,12), (P<0.05 for all). Improvements in exercise capacity after ET were similar in both groups (P>0.05).
Conclusions: Patients who meet the ATS/ERS criteria for OS during ET have a slower progression of training intensity in comparison to those patients who do not need OS.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015