Low-load/high-repetition elastic band resistance training in patients with COPD : a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial

• Background: High-repetitive resistance training is recommended to increase peripheral muscular endurance in healthy adults, however the effects of resistance training with this design on exercise capacity and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is unknown.Objective: Investigate if low load / high repetition elastic band resistance training (RT) could improve functional capacity, muscular function, endurance cycle capacity or HRQOL in patients with COPD.Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled multicentre trial was constructed with concealed allocation, blinded outcome assessment, and intention-to-treat analysis. A total of 44 patients with moderate to very severe COPD (FEV1 44.6% predicted) were included. Patients were randomized to either the experimental group receiving eight weeks of RT (3 sessions/week) in combination with patient education (four occasions) or the control group receiving the patient education alone.Results: At post-tests, the between-group differences were in favor of the experimental group on the 6 minute walk test (mean difference (95% confidence interval)): 34 meters (14 to 54) and the 6 minute pegboard and ring test (20 rings (3 to 37). No difference between groups was found on the chronic respiratory disease questionnaire (0.1 (-0.2 to 0.4). On secondary outcomes, results were in favor of the experimental group regarding upper extremity endurance capacity, muscular function and depression but no difference was seen between groups on endurance cycle capacity and HRQOL.Conclusion: RT can increase functional capacity and muscular function but not cycle endurance capacity and HRQOL in patients with moderate to severe COPD.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Hälsovetenskap -- Sjukgymnastik (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Health Sciences -- Physiotherapy (hsv//eng)

Keyword

exercise

lower extremity

pulmonary disease

chronic obstructive

quality of life

resistance training

upper extremity

single limb

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)