Abstract
Introduction: Skeletal muscle dysfunction is one of the extrapulmonary effects in patients with COPD, resulting in reduced peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity and have been associated to increased mortality risk. It is unknown the optimal frequency of exercise training to optimize the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
Aim: To compare the effects of the 12-wk training period of low-volume frequency on maximal strength and muscle power.
Methods: Thirty-six moderate to severe COPD men were divided into resistance group (RG, n=14), combined group (REG, n=14) and control (COG, n=8).RG and REG performed a low volume exercise training for 12 weeks. The subjects were tested for maximal strength in the leg press (1RMLP), lower limb power at 70%1RM (PO70%LP), maximal strength in chest press (1RMCP) and seated row (1RMSR). Statistical analyses were performed with SPSS.
Results: 1RMLP increased 26% (from 189±52 to 238±68kg, P<0.001) in REG, 33% (from 189±56 to 250±89kg, P<0.001) in RG and was higher (P<0.05) than in the CG. 1RMCP increased 31% (from 50±12 to 66±18kg, P<0.001) in RG, 35% (from 51±17 to 67±17kg,P<0.001) in REG and was higher (P<0.001) than in CG. 1RMSR increased (P<0.001) 31% in REG and 41% in RG compared to CG. PO70%LP increased 50% (from 557±290 to 725±258 w, P<0.001) in REG, 33% (from 601±167 to 797±212 w, P<0.001) in RG.
Conclusions: Twice-weekly resistance exercise improves lower and upper body maximal strength and lower muscle power in COPD. Once-weekly resistance training is as effective in eliciting improvements in maximal strength and muscle power as twice-weekly resistance training.
Supported by Ministry of Education of Spain and Health Department of Navarre
- © 2011 ERS