Abstract
We designed urban trails to train COPD patients in public areas of different nature (promenade, beach or park). Trails had 3 intensities (low, medium and high) according to the combination of urban elements (ramps, sand and stairs). Aims (1) To assess physiological response in trails of different intensities. (2) To compare physiological response in trails of the same intensity of different areas. Methods: Experimental study, 2 phases: (Aim 1) 10 COPD patients (age 67(9) y, FEV1 49(21)%) were randomized on different days under standardized conditions to perform 3 intensity trails in a promenade. Oxygen consumption (VO2) and metabolic equivalents (METs) were collected by indirect calorimetry (Metamax 3B CORTEX). We defined the %time accumulated in light-to-moderate (≤3.3 METs) and hard-to-very hard intensity (≥3.4 METs). We used mixed models. (Aim 2) 10 healthy volunteers (age 31(4) y) performed in different days under standardized conditions the 3 intensity trails designed in 3 different zones. Heart rate (HR) and total time were collected. We used repeated ANOVA measures to compare mean HR in trails of the same intensity across areas. Results: (Aim 1) Mean VO2peak: 16(4), 17(5) and 17(4) ml·kg-1 in low, medium and high intensity trails respectively. The %time acumulated in hard-to-very hard intensity was 18%, 28% and 39%, p-trend=0.03. (Aim 2) There were no differences in mean HR across areas for low intensity trails: 97(9), 96(10) and 95(8) bpm in promenade, beach and park (p=0.41). Similar results were found for moderate and high intensity trails. Conclusion: Physiological response increases with intensity of the trails. Characteristics of areas do not affect the physiological response between trails of the same intensity.
- © 2014 ERS