Abstract
Background: The systemic effects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) cause reduction in the physical capacity and increase the mortality risk. The combined aerobic and resistence training is the most complete physiologically resource for improvement on peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity. Aim: To compare the effects of aerobic and resistance training in different intensities on peripheral muscle strength and BODE index in patients with COPD. Methods: Fifteen patients with moderate to very severe COPD were assessed pre and post both physical training by: six-minute walk test (6MWT), modified Medical Research Council (mMRC), peripheral muscle strength testing and BODE Index. The patients underwent a 36 training sessions were randomized into two groups: Aerobic + High Intensity Resistance Training (HI-RT, n=7, 67±6yrs; FEV1 51±17%pred) and Aerobic+Low Intensity Resistance Training (LI-RT, n=8, 63±8yrs, FEV1 44.8±17.6%pred). Results: There was a significant increase (p≤0.05) in the isometric knee extensors strength (KExt) (from 287±99N to 320±80N) and shoulder flexors (from 114±20N to 137±22N) for LI-RT and KExt (from 288±71N to 330±85N) and elbow flexors (from 134±31N to 154±38N) for HI-RT group. It was found a significant reduction in the BODE Index score (from 3±2 to 2±2) and an increase in 6MW distance (from 453±77m to 480±74m) only for the HI-RT group. No significant difference was detected for hip abductors in both groups. Conclusion:Both groups rose the peripheral isometric strength, though the HI-RT seems to be more efficient to improve exercise tolerance and disease prognosis.
- © 2014 ERS