Resistance versus endurance training in patients with COPD and peripheral muscle weakness

Strength training increases maximum working capacity in patients with COPD--randomized clinical trial comparing three training modalities

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Skeletal muscle dysfunction contributes to exercise limitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Strength training increases muscle strength and muscle mass, but there is an ongoing debate on the additional effect concerning the exercise capacity. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of three different exercise modalities in patients with COPD including endurance training (ET), progressive strength training (ST) and the combination of strength training and endurance training (CT).

DESIGN

A prospective randomized trial.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients with COPD were randomly allocated either to ET, ST, or CT. Muscle strength, cardiopulmonary exercise testing, lung function testing and quality of life were assessed before and after a 12-week training period.

RESULTS

Exercise capacity (Wmax) increased significantly in all three training groups with increase of peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) in all three groups, reaching statistical significance in the ET group and the CT group. Muscle strength (leg press, bench press, bench pull) improved in all three training groups, with a higher improvement in the ST (+39.3%, +20.9%, +20.3%) and the CT group (+43.3%, +18.1%, +21.6%) compared to the ET group (+20.4%, +6.4%, +12.1%).

CONCLUSIONS

Progressive strength training alone increases not only muscle strength and quality of life, but also exercise capacity in patients with COPD, which may have implications in prescription of training modality. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV IDENTIFIER: NCT01091623.

Predicting outcomes from 6-minute walk distance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Exercise tolerance is an important clinical aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease that can be easily and reliably measured with the 6-minute walking test (6MWT). To improve the utility of the 6MWT for patient and health care system management, the interpretation of the functional status measure in relation to death and hospitalization should be elucidated.

METHODS

Three-year, prospective, multicenter observational study to evaluate the predictive power of 6MWD for death or exacerbation-related hospitalization and to evaluate the factors that help determine 6MWD.

RESULTS

We measured 6MWD at baseline and annually in 2110 patients with clinically stable Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II-IV COPD and recorded exacerbation-related hospitalizations and all-cause mortality. During the study, 200 patients died and 650 were hospitalized. Using receiver operating characteristics, the best predictive thresholds of the 6MWD were 334 m for increased risk of death and 357 m for exacerbation-related hospitalization (area under the curve 0.67 and 0.60 respectively); however, the discriminatory thresholds, especially for mortality, were influenced by age. The mean (SE) 6MWD declined by 1.6 (1.2) m per year in GOLD II, 9.8 (1.3) m per year in GOLD III, and 8.5 (2.4) m per year in GOLD IV.

CONCLUSION

The 6MWD provides prognostic information that may be useful for identifying high-risk patients with COPD.

Oxygen uptake, ventilation, and symptoms during low-frequency versus high-frequency NMES in COPD: a pilot study

Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) involves the application of an electrical current through electrodes placed on the skin over the targeted muscles. During high-frequency NMES (HF-NMES), oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, and the degree of symptom perception (dyspnea and fatigue) have been shown to be acceptable in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Currently, oxygen uptake and ventilation load have never been assessed during low-frequency NMES (LF-NMES) of the lower-limb muscles. The purpose of this study was to compare prospectively oxygen uptake, ventilation, and symptom perception during a single session of LF-NMES versus a single session of HF-NMES of quadriceps muscles in patients with COPD. In 17 COPD patients (mean FEV(1) = 45% predicted, mean body mass index = 26.2 kg/m(2)), peak exercise capacity, functional exercise capacity, and the Medical Research Council dyspnea grade were evaluated. In addition, oxygen uptake, minute ventilation, heart rate, and Borg symptom scores were assessed during one session of LF-NMES (15 Hz) and one session of HF-NMES (75 Hz) and compared with peak values. Mean oxygen uptake (LF-NMES: 327 ml/min vs. HF-NMES: 315 ml/min), minute ventilation (LF-NMES: 14 L vs. HF-NMES: 15 L), and heart rate (LF-NMES: 86 BPM vs. HF-NMES: 83 BPM) were similar during both NMES frequencies. Patients used a relatively low proportion of their peak aerobic capacity during both NMES sessions (LF-NMES: 34% vs. HF-NMES: 33%; P = 0.397). In addition, symptom Borg scores for dyspnea and leg fatigue were also comparable. Oxygen uptake, ventilation, and symptoms of dyspnea and fatigue were comparable and tolerable during LF-NMES and HF-NMES in patients with COPD. Therefore, LF-NMES and HF-NMES may both be suitable rehabilitative modalities to be used in severely dyspneic patients with lower-limb muscle dysfunction.

Influência do treinamento da musculatura respiratória e de membros inferiores no desempenho funcional de indivíduos com DPOC

A doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (DPOC) caracteriza-se pela obstrução ou limitação crônica do fluxo aéreo, gerando uma desvantagem mecânica, causando fraqueza muscular e recrutamento da musculatura inspiratória acessória. A disfunção muscular esquelética é uma importante manifestação extrapulmonar, que leva à diminuição da capacidade funcional. O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a eficácia de um treinamento da musculatura respiratória e de quadríceps no desempenho funcional de indivíduos com DPOC. De nove indivíduos com idades entre 49 e 76 anos foram avaliadas as pressões respiratórias máximas (por manovacuometria), força muscular de membros inferiores (por repetição máxima), capacidade funcional (pelo teste de caminhada com carga progressiva, shuttle test) e qualidade de vida (pelo questionário de qualidade de vida SF-36), antes e depois da aplicação de protocolo de fortalecimento da musculatura inspiratória, dos músculos quadríceps e abdominais. As sessões de exercícios foram realizadas duas vezes por semana durante dois meses. Foi verificada melhora em todas as variáveis avaliadas, com diferença significativa na pressão inspiratória máxima (p<0,05). O treinamento da musculatura respiratória e de quadríceps proposto mostrou-se benéfico ao desempenho funcional de indivíduos com DPOC, sugerindo a utilização do fortalecimento muscular respiratório e periférico como recurso coadjuvante no tratamento desses indivíduos.

Conical-PEP is safe, reduces lung hyperinflation and contributes to improved exercise endurance in patients with COPD: a randomised cross-over trial

QUESTION

Does a new positive expiratory pressure device (conical-PEP) decrease lung hyperinflation during exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compared to normal breathing? Does it increase the duration of exercise?

DESIGN

A randomised, cross-over trial with concealed allocation.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirteen patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (mean FEV1 61% predicted).

INTERVENTION

THE experimental intervention was conical-PEP breathing with a positive expiratory pressure of 4-20 cmH2O during 30% of 1 RM alternate knee extension exercise at 70% age-predicted HRmax to fatigue. The control intervention was normal breathing.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Total lung capacity (inspiratory capacity and slow vital capacity), breathlessness, and leg discomfort were measured pre and post exercise. Cardiorespiratory function was measured pre and during the last 30 s of exercise. Duration of exercise was recorded.

RESULTS

After the experimental intervention, inspiratory capacity increased 200 ml (95% CI 0 to 400) and slow vital capacity increased 200 ml (95% CI 0 to 400) more than the control intervention. Participants exercised for 107 s (95% CI -23 to 238) more during the experimental intervention than the control intervention. Conical-PEP breathing during exercise resulted in 6.1 fewer breaths/min (95% CI 1.4 to 10.8) than normal breathing; it did not have any adverse effects on CO2 retention or oxygen saturation.

CONCLUSION

The novel conical-PEP device decreases lung hyperinflation, is safe to use, and tends to increase the duration of exercise.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT00741832.

Creatine supplementation for patients with COPD receiving pulmonary rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Creatine improves muscle strength in exercising healthy individuals, and in patients with neuromuscular disease and heart failure. The aim of this study was to assess whether creatine supplementation improves pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) outcomes in patients with COPD.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed of randomized controlled trials published between January 1966 and February 2009 that evaluated the effect of creatine compared with placebo on exercise capacity, muscle strength and health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) in patients undergoing PR for COPD. The pooled estimates were expressed as mean differences (MD) or standardized mean differences (SMD).

RESULTS

Four randomized controlled trials that included 151 patients were identified. There was no effect of creatine supplementation on exercise capacity (SMD -0.01, 95% CI: -0.42 to 0.22, n = 151). Creatine supplementation did not improve lower extremity muscle strength (SMD 0.03, 95% CI: -0.55 to 0.61, n = 140) or upper limb muscular strength (SMD 0.02, 95% CI: -0.33 to 0.38, n = 128) compared with placebo. Two studies (n = 48) assessed quality of life using the St. George's Respiratory Disease Questionnaire. There were no differences in HR-QoL according to domain or total scores. Overall, creatine appeared to be safe and was well tolerated. Quality assessment of the studies showed important limitations.

CONCLUSIONS

Creatine supplementation does not improve exercise capacity, muscle strength or HR-QoL in patients with COPD receiving PR. However, important limitations were identified in the quality of the available evidence, suggesting that further research is required in this area.

A preliminary efficacy evaluation performed by opto-electronic plethysmography of asymmetric respiratory rehabilitation

The aim of present work is to test an optoelectronic system as diagnostic device to preliminary assess the efficacy of asymmetric respiratory rehabilitation. The respiratory rehabilitation efficacy, in terms of tidal volume variations, has been assessed for 14 patients undergone left or right superior lobectomy. Tidal volume variations of six torso compartments have been measured in pre-surgery, post-surgery and post-rehabilitation phases. Significant difference of total chest wall tidal volume has not been observed between the three phases. Tidal volume differences have been observed between paretic and healthy side. Significant tidal volume increase has been observed for non-operated side between pre-surgery and postrehabilitation phases during quiet breathing, mean tidal volume increases of about 32%. Measurement results indicate that respiratory rehabilitation is more effective on non-operated side which, in turn, compensates the operated one. The optoelectronic plethysmograph appears to be a suitable instrument for evaluation of respiratory rehabilitation in case of respiratory volumes asymmetry.

Effect of three exercise programs on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

We compared the effect of three different exercise programs on patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including strength training at 50_80% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM) (ST; N = 11), low-intensity general training (LGT; N = 13), or combined training groups (CT; N = 11). Body composition, muscle strength, treadmill endurance test (TEnd), 6-min walk test (6MWT), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and baseline dyspnea (BDI) were assessed prior to and after the training programs (12 weeks). The training modalities showed similar improvements (P > 0.05) in SGRQ-total (ST = 13 +/- 14%; CT = 12 +/- 14%; LGT = 11 +/- 10%), BDI (ST = 1.8 +/- 4; CT = 1.8 +/- 3; LGT = 1 +/- 2), 6MWT (ST = 43 +/- 51 m; CT = 48 +/- 50 m; LGT = 31 +/- 75 m), and TEnd (ST = 11 +/- 20 min; CT = 11 +/- 11 min; LGT = 7 +/- 5 min). In the ST and CT groups, an additional improvement in 1-RM values was shown (P < 0.05) compared to the LGT group (ST = 10 +/- 6 to 57 +/- 36 kg; CT = 6 +/- 2 to 38 +/- 16 kg; LGT = 1 +/- 2 to 16 +/- 12 kg). The addition of strength training to our current training program increased muscle strength; however, it produced no additional improvement in walking endurance, dyspnea or quality of life. A simple combined training program provides benefits without increasing the duration of the training sessions.

Exercise and muscle dysfunction in COPD: implications for pulmonary rehabilitation

Skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) patients, particularly of the quadriceps, is of clinical interest because it not only influences the symptoms that limit exercise, but may also contribute directly to poor exercise performance and health status, increased healthcare utilization, and mortality. Furthermore, unlike the largely irreversible impairment of the COPD lung, skeletal muscles represent a potential site to improve patients' level of function and quality of life. However, despite expanding knowledge of potential contributing factors and greater understanding of molecular mechanisms of muscle wasting, only one intervention has been shown to be effective in reversing COPD muscle dysfunction, namely exercise training. Pulmonary rehabilitation, an intervention based on individually tailored exercise training, has emerged as arguably the most effective non-pharmacological intervention in improving exercise capacity and health status in COPD patients. The present review describes the effects of chronic exercise training on skeletal muscles and, in particular, focuses on the known effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on the quadriceps muscle in COPD. We also describe the current methods to augment the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation and speculate how greater knowledge of the molecular pathways of skeletal muscle wasting may aid the development of novel pharmaceutical agents.

Progressive resistance strength training for improving physical function in older adults

BACKGROUND

Muscle weakness in old age is associated with physical function decline. Progressive resistance strength training (PRT) exercises are designed to increase strength.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of PRT on older people and identify adverse events.

SEARCH STRATEGY

We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialized Register (to March 2007), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library 2007, Issue 2), MEDLINE (1966 to May 01, 2008), EMBASE (1980 to February 06 2007), CINAHL (1982 to July 01 2007) and two other electronic databases. We also searched reference lists of articles, reviewed conference abstracts and contacted authors.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials reporting physical outcomes of PRT for older people were included.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed trial quality and extracted data. Data were pooled where appropriate.

MAIN RESULTS

One hundred and twenty one trials with 6700 participants were included. In most trials, PRT was performed two to three times per week and at a high intensity. PRT resulted in a small but significant improvement in physical ability (33 trials, 2172 participants; SMD 0.14, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.22). Functional limitation measures also showed improvements: e.g. there was a modest improvement in gait speed (24 trials, 1179 participants, MD 0.08 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.12); and a moderate to large effect for getting out of a chair (11 trials, 384 participants, SMD -0.94, 95% CI -1.49 to -0.38). PRT had a large positive effect on muscle strength (73 trials, 3059 participants, SMD 0.84, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.00). Participants with osteoarthritis reported a reduction in pain following PRT(6 trials, 503 participants, SMD -0.30, 95% CI -0.48 to -0.13). There was no evidence from 10 other trials (587 participants) that PRT had an effect on bodily pain. Adverse events were poorly recorded but adverse events related to musculoskeletal complaints, such as joint pain and muscle soreness, were reported in many of the studies that prospectively defined and monitored these events. Serious adverse events were rare, and no serious events were reported to be directly related to the exercise programme.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

This review provides evidence that PRT is an effective intervention for improving physical functioning in older people, including improving strength and the performance of some simple and complex activities. However, some caution is needed with transferring these exercises for use with clinical populations because adverse events are not adequately reported.

A clinical practice guideline for physiotherapists treating patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on a systematic review of available evidence

PURPOSE

Update of a clinical practice guideline for the physiotherapy management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease supporting the clinical decision-making process.

METHODS

A systematic computerized literature search was performed on different modalities for improving physical exercise capacity, reducing exertional dyspnoea, improving airway clearance and encouraging changes in physical activity behaviour. Methodological quality was scored with the PEDro Scale. Scientific conclusions were graded according to the criteria of the; Dutch Evidence Based Guideline Development Platform'. These, together with practical considerations, were used to formulate recommendations for clinical practice.

RESULTS

A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review, consisting of five meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials, 84 randomized controlled trials and 14 uncontrolled studies. Twenty scientific conclusions supported six recommendations on physical exercise training. Nineteen scientific conclusions supported eight recommendations on interventions for reducing dyspnoea. Five scientific conclusions supported seven recommendations concerning treatment modalities to improve mucus clearance, and two scientific conclusions supported two recommendations on strategies for encouraging permanent changes in physical activity behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

Strong recommendations support the use of physical exercise training to improve health-related quality of life and functional exercise capacity. Future research should investigate whether additional interventions for reducing exertional dyspnoea have a place as adjuncts to physical exercise training in selected patients. In addition, treatment of impaired mucus clearance, especially during acute exacerbations, requires further research. With the advance of new technologies for objective measurements of physical activities in daily life more research is needed concerning interventions to initiate and maintain physical activity behaviour change during and after supervised physical exercise training programmes.

Treinamento de força para pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

Pacientes com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica apresentam comumente fraqueza muscular periférica associada à intolerância ao exercício. Embora efetivo, o exercício aeróbio apresenta pouco ou nenhum efeito na fraqueza e atrofia muscular, além de não ser tolerado pela maioria dos pacientes com DPOC. Nesse sentido, o treinamento de força é opção racional para aumentar a força muscular, além de já ter se mostrado mais tolerável que o exercício aeróbio. O aumento de força muscular periférica é o benefício mais consistente do treinamento de força e, quando este é associado ao exercício aeróbio, não resulta em melhora adicional da capacidade de exercício, da dispnéia e da qualidade de vida. Contudo, observa-se que o treinamento combinado é fisiologicamente mais completo e pode ser uma opção de condicionamento físico mais diversificado. O treinamento de moderada a alta intensidade resulta em maiores adaptações fisiológicas, entretanto o exercício de baixa intensidade é tolerável, simples, de fácil execução domiciliar, não requer equipamentos sofisticados e resulta em benefícios significativos. Este exercício é indicado, sobretudo, para os pacientes com DPOC mais avançada. Finalmente, há evidências recentes de que o treinamento de força para os músculos do tronco é alternativa válida para melhorar a capacidade funcional de exercício e a função pulmonar em pacientes com DPOC. A presente revisão de literatura sugere a incorporação do treinamento de força como estratégia de rotina nos programas de reabilitação pulmonar. Pesquisas futuras são necessárias para avaliar os efeitos do treinamento de força na saúde mental, no desempenho em atividades de vida diária, na saúde osteoarticular, no risco de quedas e na função pulmonar, entre outros.

Extra-pulmonary features in COPD patients entering rehabilitation after stratification for MRC dyspnea grade

Experts have stated that referral for rehabilitation of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) becomes appropriate when these patients become aware of their disability (e.g. usually grade 3 to 5 on the Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale). However, patients with MRC dyspnea grade 1/2 may also suffer from extra-pulmonary features, such as abnormal body composition, exercise intolerance and reduced disease-specific health status. In the present study, we have studied whether and to what extent chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with MRC dyspnea grade 1/2 have extra-pulmonary features compared to patients with grade 3, 4 or 5? Pulmonary function, body composition, 6-min walking distance, peak exercise capacity, anxiety, depression and disease-specific health status have been assessed in 333 outpatients who had been referred for pulmonary rehabilitation. On average, patients with MRC dyspnea grade 1/2 had a better exercise tolerance and disease-specific health status compared to patients with grade 4 or 5. Nevertheless, grade 1/2 patients had a higher prevalence of muscle mass depletion. In addition, these patients did still have aberrant values in one or more of the aforementioned outcomes. On average, patients with MRC dyspnea grade 1/2 may clearly suffer from extra-pulmonary features, indicating the necessity to refer these patients for rehabilitation. Therefore, MRC dyspnea scale alone does not appear to be a suitable measure to identify most patients with COPD who have to be referred for rehabilitation.

Hypogonadism in male outpatients with sarcoidosis

Hypogonadism is assumed to be present in sarcoidosis. Nevertheless, a comparison of circulating sex hormone concentrations of male sarcoidosis patients with those of healthy men has never been done. Moreover, it remains unknown if hypogonadism may contribute to a reduced muscle function, exercise intolerance, diminished vitality and depressed mood in male sarcoidosis patients. Pulmonary function, muscle function, exercise tolerance, vitality, mood, circulating sex hormone concentrations and C-reactive protein were assessed in 30 male sarcoidosis patients and 26 age-matched men with a normal pulmonary function. On average, patients had a restrictive pulmonary function, worse inspiratory and quadriceps muscle function, functional exercise intolerance, diminished vitality, depressed mood and increased systemic inflammation. Moreover, patients had significantly lower circulating (free) testosterone concentrations, while circulating sex hormone-binding globulin tended to be lower (p=0.0515). Circulating gonadotrophin concentrations were comparable. Non-significant relationships were found between sex hormones, clinical outcomes and C-reactive protein in patients with sarcoidosis. A significant number of male outpatients with sarcoidosis (46.7%) had low circulating testosterone concentrations, which was most probably caused by hypogonadotrophism. The clinical relevance of hypogonadism in male outpatients with sarcoidosis, however, remains currently unknown. Indeed, poor inspiratory and quadriceps muscle function, exercise intolerance, diminished vitality and depressed mood were not related to hypogonadism in these patients.

Endurance or resistance training in primary care after in-patient rehabilitation for COPD?

Resistance (RT) and endurance training (ET) prescribed by a rehabilitation centre and carried out under the supervision of primary care physiotherapists after the completion of 4 weeks of multidisciplinary in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation (IPR) were compared regarding capacity to induce further health effects. After IPR, 40 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients were allocated to RT or ET twice weekly for 12 weeks. Primary outcome variables were walking capacity (treadmill endurance time, TET; 6-min walking distance, 6MWD), functional status (Glittre ADL-test; Hyrim Physical Activity Questionnaire) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ). Body functions variables were included as secondary outcome measures. HRQOL and physical activity were reinvestigated after 1 year. Median attendance rates were not different between RT (21, interquartile range [17;23]) and ET (22 [18;24]). Both groups improved in TET (RT 7.7 min 95% CI {3.6;12}, ET 5.7 min {1.7;9.8}). 6MWD increased significantly after ET (46 m {20;72}). Functional status was unchanged. SGRQ tended to further improve after RT (-3.2{-7.4;1.2}), while ET maintained the improvement gained during IPR. Body functions measures changed according to training modality. After 1 year, a majority of patients in both groups were exercising regularly, but SGRQ was significantly better than pre-IPR only in the RT group (-7.9{-14.3;-1.5}). We conclude that supervised RT or ET twice weekly sustains and improves the effects of IPR. With no large differences detected between the two training modalities, the choice of training may be guided by individual needs, patient preferences and the availability of equipment.

Pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Pulmonary rehabilitation, a multidisciplinary and structured intervention for patients with chronic pulmonary diseases, has been shown to improve exercise tolerance, reduce dyspnea and improve health-related quality of life. Pulmonary rehabilitation appears to be cost-effective, since it reduces health care utilization. Exercise training represents the cornerstone of every pulmonary rehabilitation program. To obtain clinically relevant effects, training should closely supervised, of high intensity, lasting 30-45 min for at least 3 days/week. Patients should undertake a minimum of 20 sessions, but longer programs result in larger and more long-lasting effects. Education and self-management programs have been shown to result in a substantial reduction in hospital admissions. Nutritional intervention should be considered for patients who are underweight or those with body composition abnormalities. Patients reporting fear and anxiety may benefit from psychosocial support, and the integration of occupational therapy in a pulmonary rehabilitation program can improve independence in activity. Multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation is preferably implemented in an outpatient hospital- or community-based setting. Inpatient programs are suited for patients with limited transportation capabilities or severe deconditioning. The most convincing effects of home-based rehabilitation are in maintaining the improvements obtained in an outpatient setting.

Impact of diabetes, chronic heart failure, congenital heart disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on acute and chronic exercise responses

Several chronic diseases are known to negatively affect the ability of an individual to perform exercise. However, the altered exercise capacity observed in these patients is not solely associated with the heart and lungs dysfunction. Exercise has also been shown to play an important role in the management of several pathologies encountered in the fields of cardiology and pneumology. Studies conducted in our institution regarding the influence of diabetes, chronic heart failure, congenital heart disease and chronic pulmonary obstructive disease on the acute and chronic exercise responses, along with the beneficial effects of exercise training in these populations, are reviewed.

Canadian Thoracic Society recommendations for management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease - 2007 update

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major respiratory illness in Canada that is both preventable and treatable. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of this complex condition continues to grow and our ability to offer effective treatment to those who suffer from it has improved considerably. The purpose of the present educational initiative of the Canadian Thoracic Society (CTS) is to provide up to date information on new developments in the field so that patients with this condition will receive optimal care that is firmly based on scientific evidence. Since the previous CTS management recommendations were published in 2003, a wealth of new scientific information has become available. The implications of this new knowledge with respect to optimal clinical care have been carefully considered by the CTS Panel and the conclusions are presented in the current document. Highlights of this update include new epidemiological information on mortality and prevalence of COPD, which charts its emergence as a major health problem for women; a new section on common comorbidities in COPD; an increased emphasis on the meaningful benefits of combined pharmacological and nonpharmacological therapies; and a new discussion on the prevention of acute exacerbations. A revised stratification system for severity of airway obstruction is proposed, together with other suggestions on how best to clinically evaluate individual patients with this complex disease. The results of the largest randomized clinical trial ever undertaken in COPD have recently been published, enabling the Panel to make evidence-based recommendations on the role of modern pharmacotherapy. The Panel hopes that these new practice guidelines, which reflect a rigorous analysis of the recent literature, will assist caregivers in the diagnosis and management of this common condition.

[Incidence of individualized training on exercise-induced desaturation in COPD patients]

BACKGROUND

Exercise-induced desaturation is a well-described phenomenon in COPD patients during exercise assessments such as the six minute walk test (6MWT). Some of the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in this O2 desaturation could be modified by individualized exercise training as part of a pulmonary rehabilitation programme. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on O2 desaturation exhibited by COPD patients during a 6MWT.

METHODS

Twenty COPD patients (FEV1=61.1 +/- 3.2% predicted) who exhibited O2 desaturation before rehabilitation (mean 7.3 +/- 0.7% with a mean duration of 5.3 +/- 0.1 min) participated. They performed four weeks of RP including individualized whole-body exercise training achieving a mean 9.3 +/- 0.27 hours per week of exercise tailored to their ventilatory threshold.

RESULTS

Dyspnoea at the end of the test, ventilatory threshold and FEV1 were retained as correlates of desaturation before rehabilitation. After rehabilitation, 6MWT distance increased (p<0.01) with reduced dyspnoea (p<0.05). Two sub-groups were identified: persistent desaturaters (DS, n=13) and non-desaturaters group (NDS, n=7). There were no baseline differences between the two groups. After rehabilitation only the persistent desaturaters showed a significant increase in distance achieved during 6MWT associated with a reduced dyspnea (p<0.05). This group showed a mean O2 desaturation equal to 8.1 +/- 0.9% which persisted to 5 +/- 0.3 min. A tendency to a lower dyspnoea at the end of 6MWT performed before rehabilitation was observed in NDS compared with DS (p<0.058).

CONCLUSION

It seems that responses to a pulmonary rehabilitation programme including individualized exercise training could act on O2 desaturation. Indeed 7 of 20 (35%) COPD patients exhibiting O2 desaturation during a 6MWT showed no O2 desaturation after rehabilitation programme while 13 on 20 (65%) do it.

Pulmonary Rehabilitation: Joint ACCP/AACVPR Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guidelines

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation has become a standard of care for patients with chronic lung diseases. This document provides a systematic, evidence-based review of the pulmonary rehabilitation literature that updates the 1997 guidelines published by the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP) and the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

METHODS

The guideline panel reviewed evidence tables, which were prepared by the ACCP Clinical Research Analyst, that were based on a systematic review of published literature from 1996 to 2004. This guideline updates the previous recommendations and also examines new areas of research relevant to pulmonary rehabilitation. Recommendations were developed by consensus and rated according to the ACCP guideline grading system.

RESULTS

The new evidence strengthens the previous recommendations supporting the benefits of lower and upper extremity exercise training and improvements in dyspnea and health-related quality-of-life outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation. Additional evidence supports improvements in health-care utilization and psychosocial outcomes. There are few additional data about survival. Some new evidence indicates that longer term rehabilitation, maintenance strategies following rehabilitation, and the incorporation of education and strength training in pulmonary rehabilitation are beneficial. Current evidence does not support the routine use of inspiratory muscle training, anabolic drugs, or nutritional supplementation in pulmonary rehabilitation. Evidence does support the use of supplemental oxygen therapy for patients with severe hypoxemia at rest or with exercise. Noninvasive ventilation may be helpful for selected patients with advanced COPD. Finally, pulmonary rehabilitation appears to benefit patients with chronic lung diseases other than COPD.

CONCLUSIONS

There is substantial new evidence that pulmonary rehabilitation is beneficial for patients with COPD and other chronic lung diseases. Several areas of research provide opportunities for future research that can advance the field and make rehabilitative treatment available to many more eligible patients in need.

Four weeks' intensive rehabilitation generates significant health effects in COPD patients

Changes in health according to World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) after four weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) were investigated. Gender differences in the response to PR, and the correlation between improvements in the two components of ICF (Body functions and Activities and Participation) were examined. Twenty-two men and 18 women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II-IV attended in-patient, multidisciplinary PR consisting of endurance training four to five times/week at 70% of peak work rate (WRpeak), resistance training three to four times/week at 72% of 15 repetitions maximum, educational sessions and individual counselling. The results were compared to those of 20 Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients included after the same criteria and investigated while waiting for admission to PR. In the rehabilitation group, we found significant improvements in health related quality of life (HRQoL) (-7 units, St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire), arm (6%) and leg (15%) maximal voluntary contraction, peak oxygen uptake (6%), WRpeak (60%) and treadmill endurance time (93%). At iso-WR, ventilation and dyspnoea were significantly lower, but inspiratory capacity remained unchanged. Improvements in HRQoL correlated with increases in peak ventilation, but not in muscle strength or exercise capacity. Men improved their six-minute walking distance significantly in contrast to women. Clinically important improvements in HRQoL were found in two out of three of the men, and one out of three of the women. Four weeks of intensive PR generated significant health effects comparable to longer lasting programmes. Changes in exercise capacity and muscle strength were not related to improvements in HRQoL. The gender differences in the response to PR deserve attention in future studies.

Measuring muscle strength for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: retest reliability of hand-held dynamometry

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the retest reliability and quantify the degree of measurement error when measuring isometric muscle strength with a hand-held dynamometer for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

DESIGN

Retest reliability of hand-held dynamometry for 4 muscle groups was assessed on 2 occasions separated by a 2-week interval.

SETTING

Community rehabilitation center.

PARTICIPANTS

Eight men and 4 women (mean age +/- standard deviation, 71.4+/-10.3y) with moderately severe COPD (percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second, 41.5%+/-17.7%).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Muscle strength (in kilograms). Statistical analysis was conducted by calculating intraclass correlation coefficients and 95% confidence intervals for both group and individual scores.

RESULTS

All reliability coefficients were greater than .79. Muscle strength would need to increase by between 4% and 18% in groups of people with COPD and between 34% and 58% in a person with COPD to be 95% confident of detecting real changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand-held dynamometry is suitable for monitoring change in muscle strength and testing hypotheses for groups of people with COPD. However, hand-held dynamometry is not likely to detect changes in muscle strength for a person with COPD.

New Modalities of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to be an important part of the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Exercise training is the corner stone of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD and has been shown to improve health-related quality of life and exercise capacity. Nevertheless, not every COPD patient responds well to pulmonary rehabilitation. Future trials should focus on new additions to conventional pulmonary rehabilitation programmes to optimise its effects on health-related quality of life, exercise capacity, body composition and muscle function in patients with COPD. Therefore, a patient-tailored approach is inevitable. Advantages and disadvantages of new modalities of pulmonary rehabilitation will be outlined in detail, including the following: endurance training and long-acting bronchodilatators; endurance training and technical modalities (inspiratory pressure support and inspiratory muscle training); interval training; resistance training; transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation; and exercise training and supplements (oxygen, oral creatine, anabolic steroids and polyunsaturated fatty acids). Based on well defined baseline characteristics, patients should most probably be individually selected. At present, these new modalities of pulmonary rehabilitation have been shown to improve body composition, skeletal muscle function and sometimes also exercise capacity. However, the translation to an improved health-related quality of life is mostly lacking, and cost effectiveness and long-term effects have not been studied. Moreover, future trials should study the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in elderly patients with restrictive pulmonary diseases.

Treino de exercício na doença pulmonar crónica

Exercise training has become a cornerstone of Pulmonary Rehabilitation. Since the nineties, the effectiveness in clinically relevant improvements in exercise capacity and health-related quality of life has been proved. Current guidelines (Evidence A) recommend high intensity continuous exercise for lower extremities as the most effective exercise modality, however, for some patients it is often difficult to initiate such an exercise programme due to the limitation of dyspnoea or leg fatigue. In recent years, special relevance has been given to the integration of other modalities of exercise (continuous versus interval, aerobic versus strength, inclusion or not of respiratory muscle training). The authors carry out a review of the current literature concerning exercise training in chronic pulmonary disease and this highlights the role of tailored exercise to break the vicious cycle of dyspnoea and inactivity.

Interval training compared with continuous training in patients with COPD

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of interval training (3-min intervals) with continuous training on peak exercise capacity (W peak), physiological response, functional capacity, dyspnoea, mental health and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with moderate or severe COPD. Sixty patients exercised twice weekly for 16 weeks after randomisation to interval- or continuous training. Target intensity was 80% of baseline W peak in the interval group (I-group) and 65% in the continuous group (C-group). Patients were tested by spirometry, ergometer cycle test, cardiopulmonary test and a 12 min walk test. Dyspnoea was measured by the dyspnoea scale from Chronic Obstructive Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ), mental health by Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale (HAD) and HRQoL by the Medical Outcomes Survey Short Form 36 (SF-36). After training, W peak, peak oxygen uptake (VO(2) peak) and exhaled carbon dioxide (VCO(2) peak) increased significantly in both groups, no significant differences between the groups. Minute ventilation (V(E) peak) increased only in the C-group. At identical work rates (isotime) VO(2), VCO(2) and V(E) were significantly more decreased in the I-group than in the C-group (p<0.05). Functional capacity, dyspnoea, mental health, and HRQoL improved significantly in both groups, no difference between the groups. Interval training and continuous training were equally potent in improving peak exercise capacity, functional exercise capacity, dyspnoea, mental health and HRQoL in patients with moderate or severe COPD. At isotime, the physiological response to training differed between the groups, in favour of the interval training.

The Effect of Single Set Resistance Training on Strength and Functional Fitness in Pulmonary Rehabilitation Patients

PURPOSE

The primary goal of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is for patients to achieve and maintain their maximum level of independence and functioning in the community. Traditional PR uses a predominantly aerobic/endurance approach to rehabilitation with little or no inclusion of exercises to increase strength. Few studies have investigated the impact of resistance training on PR despite growing evidence supporting its efficacy to improve physical function (functional fitness) in both healthy individuals and those with chronic disease. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of single-set resistance training on strength and functional fitness outcomes in PR patients.

METHODS

Twenty PR patients, 60 to 81 years old, were randomly assigned to an 8-week endurance-based PR program (ET) or an ET plus resistance training program (RT).

RESULTS

Strength increased in RT (P < .05) and decreased in ET for both upper and lower body. Functional fitness improved (P < .05) in 5 of 7 tests for RT compared with 2 tests for ET.

CONCLUSIONS

Single set RT can elicit significant improvements in both strength and functional fitness, which is not obtained by traditional PR alone. Our results are comparable to other studies with similar outcomes using multiple-set RT protocols. These findings may have important implications for program design, application, and adherence in PR.

Improvement in quadriceps strength and dyspnea in daily tasks after 1 month of electrical stimulation in severely deconditioned and malnourished COPD

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Low body weight in COPD patients is associated with worsening dyspnea, reduced leg strength, and poor prognosis. Classical rehabilitation strategies are then limited by reduced exercise tolerance. Thus, we proposed to evaluate whether electrostimulation (ES) was a beneficial technique in the rehabilitation programs for severely deconditioned COPD patients after an acute exacerbation.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled study.

SETTING

Pulmonary rehabilitation center.

PATIENTS

Seventeen patients with severe COPD (mean [ +/- SD] FEV(1), 30 +/- 3% predicted) and low body mass index (BMI) [18 +/- 2.5 kg/m(2)].

METHODS

Patients were randomly assigned either to usual rehabilitation (UR) alone or to a UR-plus-ES program for 4 weeks. Quadriceps muscle strength, total muscle mass (MM), exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life were measured before and after rehabilitation.

RESULTS

The training with ES plus UR induced a significant twofold improvement in the mean number of maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) compared to UR alone (97 +/- 71 vs 36 +/- 34 contractions, respectively; p = 0.03) and resulted in a more significant improvement in dyspnea when performing daily tasks (decrease in the dyspnea domain score of the 28-item Maugeri Foundation Respiratory Failure questionnaire, -1.7 +/- 1.0 vs -0.2 +/- 1.2 points, respectively; p = 0.05). There was also a significant increase in walking distance (63 +/- 40 m; p = 0.01) and BMI (0.6 +/- 0.5 kg/m(2); p = 0.02) after training in the ES + UR group. A significant relationship was found between changes in MVC and changes in MM after training in the ES + UR group (r = 0.94; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of ES and UR was associated with greater improvement in quadriceps strength and dyspnea during the performance of daily tasks than UR alone in severely disabled COPD patients with low BMI. In this population, ES has been revealed as a useful procedure, complementing the usual pulmonary rehabilitation.

Exercise capacity before and after an 8-week multidisciplinary inpatient rehabilitation program in lung cancer patients: A pilot study

Although lung cancer is a highly prevalent type of cancer, the effects of an inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation program on pulmonary function and exercise capacity have never been studied in these patients. Pulmonary function, 6-min walking distance and peak exercise capacity of 10 patients with a severely impaired pulmonary function following treatment of lung cancer were assessed in this pilot study before and after an 8-week inpatient multidisciplinary rehabilitation program. At baseline, patients had a restrictive pulmonary function and an apparent exercise intolerance (median 6-min walking distance: 63.6% predicted; median peak cycling load: 58.5% predicted). Despite the lack of change in median pulmonary function [FEV1: -0.01L, p = 0.5469], functional exercise capacity [145 m; 43.2% of the initial values, p=0.0020] and peak exercise capacity [26 W; 34.4% of the initial values, p = 0.0078] improved significantly compared to baseline. Future trials have to corroborate the present findings. Nevertheless, patients with lung cancer have a clear indication to start a comprehensive rehabilitation program following intensive treatment of their disease. In fact, based on the results of the present pilot study it appears that these patients are good candidates for pulmonary rehabilitation programs.

Fatigue and respiratory disorders

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the factors at the origin of fatigue in respiratory disorders. To assess fatigue and its functional impact on patients affected from respiratory diseases. To evaluate the results of comprehensive care on fatigue and functional capacity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We systematically reviewed the literature in Medline and the Cochrane Library, using the following keywords: fatigue, respiratory disorders, questionnaire, evaluation, assessment, randomized controlled trial, meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Fatigue is a high frequency symptom (90%) and takes an important place, as much as dyspnea, in the genesis of the respiratory induced handicap. Its assessment is varied, according to the studies. It originates from multiple causes, as shown from clinical and experimental studies. The main treatment consists in rehabilitation, using physical exercises. Its efficacy is demonstrated on physical endurance, but is not clear in terms of general fatigue.

CONCLUSION

Although fatigue is very frequent complaint, along with a major disabling condition, the comprehensive assessment of fatigue, in respiratory disorders, including its physical and cognitive components, is not still really codified. Rehabilitation is the main treatment. Its efficiency has been demonstrated on the physical and functional components of fatigue. Its results on perceived fatigue remains to be evaluated.

Relationship of Upper-Limb and Thoracic Muscle Strength to 6-min Walk Distance in COPD Patients

STUDY OBJECTIVES

This study was developed to investigate the influence of thoracic and upper-limb muscle function on 6-min walk distance (6MWD) in patients with COPD.

DESIGN

A prospective, cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The pulmonary rehabilitation center of a university hospital.

PATIENTS

Thirty-eight patients with mild to very severe COPD were evaluated.

MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS

Pulmonary function and baseline dyspnea index (BDI) were assessed, handgrip strength, maximal inspiratory pressure (Pimax), and 6MWD were measured, and the one-repetition maximum (1RM) was determined for each of four exercises (bench press, lat pull down, leg extension, and leg press) performed on gymnasium equipment. Quality of life was assessed using the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). We found statistically significant positive correlations between 6MWD and body weight (r = 0.32; p < 0.05), BDI (r = 0.50; p < 0.01), FEV(1) (r = 0.33; p < 0.05), Pimax (r = 0.53; p < 0.01), and all values of 1RM. A statistically significant negative correlation was observed between 6MWD and dyspnea at the end of the 6-min walk test (r = - 0.29; p < 0.05), as well as between 6MWD and the SGRQ activity domain (r = - 0.45; p < 0.01) and impact domain (r = - 0.34; p < 0.05) and total score (r = - 0.40; p < 0.01). Multiple regression analysis selected body weight, BDI, Pimax, and lat pull down 1RM as predictive factors for 6MWD (R(2) = 0.589).

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study showed the importance of the skeletal musculature of the thorax and upper limbs in submaximal exercise tolerance and could open new perspectives for training programs designed to improve functional activity in COPD patients.

Two different training programmes for patients with COPD: A randomised study with 1-year follow-up

PURPOSE

To compare the effects on exercise capacity and health related quality of life (HRQoL) of two exercise programmes; one programme including endurance training and one including only resistance training and callisthenics. A second purpose was to find out whether the severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affected the training response and whether the interventions had a long-term effect.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients were stratified according to severity of COPD and randomised to two training groups. Group A had a mixed programme including endurance training. Group B had resistance training and callisthenics. All trained twice weekly for 8 weeks. A symptom-limited ergometer test, 12-min walking test, dynamic spirometry, blood gas analysis at rest and HRQoL were measured before and after the training period. Follow-up tests were conducted at 6 and 12 months after training.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients fulfilled the trial. In group A (n=20) peak exercise capacity increased by 7W (P<0.001) and 12-min walking distance (12MWD) by 50 m (P<0.01), whereas group B (n=22) did not change in any of these variables. HRQoL did not change significantly in either group. Training response was similar in patients with moderate and severe disease. One year post-training 12MWD had returned to pre-training level in group A, and below pre-training level in group B (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Exercise capacity in patients with severe and moderate COPD improved by intensive endurance training, two sessions a week for 8 weeks. The improvement was however small and HRQoL did not improve. Severity of illness did not affect response to training. The results indicated that the effects of a short endurance training intervention slowed down decline in baseline functional exercise capacity for 1 year.