Keywords

chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, interval exercise training, muscle fatigue, pulmonary rehabilitation

Authors

1. Mador, M. Jeffery MD
2. Krawza, Matthew MD
3. Alhajhusian, Ahmad MD
4. Khan, Adeel I. MD
5. Shaffer, Mary NP
6. Kufel, Thomas J. MD

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of interval training (IT) and continuous steady-pace training (CT) in patients with COPD.

METHODS: Patients (n = 21) (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second ([FEV₁] = 44.6% +/- 13.9%) were randomized to IT, and 20 patients (mean FEV₁ = 41.7% +/- 12.6%) to CT. Outcome measures included 6-minute walk distance, maximal work capacity, endurance exercise time during constant workload exercise at 60% to 70% of maximal work capacity, and quality of life including fatigue and dyspnea. Participants exercised 3 times per week for 8 weeks, and total work was the same for both training regimens.

RESULTS: Significant improvement in mean score was observed in each variable within each of the 2 groups: 6-minute walk distance (IT = 158 +/- 178 ft, CT = 106 +/- 165 ft); maximal work capacity (IT = 10.0 +/- 13.0 W, CT = 11.5 +/- 13.1 W); endurance exercise time (IT = 15.0 +/- 12.5 minutes, CT = 18.7 +/- 10.6 minutes); and quality of life domains, fatigue (IT = 3.1 +/- 3.0, CT = 2.8 +/- 4.7), and dyspnea (IT = 4.4 +/- 5.3, CT = 5.4 +/- 5.1). There was no significant difference in the extent of improvement between the 2 training regimens for any of the outcome variables.

CONCLUSION: Compared with CT, IT was well tolerated and produced similar improvements in exercise performance and quality of life.