Effect of an 8-week physical exercise program on functional physical fitness and quality of life in elderly people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease residing at high altitude

Abstract

Introduction: People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) are exposed to chronic hypoxia due to structural and functional damage to the respiratory system that disrupts O2 diffusion. These aspects decrease physical fitness, fatigue tolerance, and quality of life of people. It is recognized that physical exercise improves the physical condition of people with COPD; however, the effects of exercise on physical fitness and quality of life in people with COPD exposed to altitudinal hypoxia are poorly known. Purpose: To establish the effect of an 8-week physical exercise program on functional physical fitness and quality of life in people with COPD living at >2500m. Methods: The intervention was a physical exercise home program comprising physical training and health education sessions for COPD and control groups. The physical condition was measured with functional tests. Quality of Life was assessed after the impact of respiratory symptoms, and by evaluating functional impairment attributable to dyspnea. Results: The patients with COPD increased SpO2 by 8% (P<0.001) and decreased heart rate at rest and systolic blood pressure by 11% and 4%. Physical performance of people with COPD increased by 107% in 6MWT, 60% in Arm Curl Test, 38% in 30secSTS, 39% in Hand Grip Test, 23% in Back Scratch Test, and 45% in Chair Sit and Reach Test. Quality of life increased and dyspnea decreased (P<0.05). Conclusion: The intervention program improved their physical condition and quality of life to values comparable to age-matched participants without respiratory disease. Trial registration. NCT04955977 - [Clinical Trials.gov]. Registered on July 9, 2021.