Interval training compared with continuous training in patients with COPD

Abstract

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.

Programas de reabilitação pulmonar em pacientes com DPOC

“…The only analysis that showed no significant differences was one evaluating the level of anxiety in patients with COPD. (20) As can be seen in Figure 3, 1 analysis compared partial rehabilitation (26,32) and standard rehabilitation in terms of their impact on the degree of dyspnea and found no differences between the two. One analysis showed that strength exercises yielded better results than did standard rehabilitation (16) in patients with moderate to very severe COPD.…”

Exercise duration during pulmonary rehabilitation: an index of efficacy

“…Interval training alternates from high intensity to low intensity and is based on time and symptoms. Most studies suggest that outcomes with high intensity training are similar to lower intensity continuous training [7][8][9][10][11] . Gloeckl and coworkers compared interval training (30 seconds at peak work followed by 30 seconds of rest) with continuous training at 60 % of peak work in 60 lung transplant candidates 8 .…”

Oxygen Consumption during Different Exercise Protocols in the Aged

“…Health practitioners have previously avoided using interval training in the past due to concerns over increased heart rates and stress which are held at an even level during constant cardiovascular training sessions in comparison. With recent research supporting the use of interval training for increased cardiovascular effect [6,7], patients with COPD [8,9], and fat oxidation [10] health practitioners may need to reconsider the use of interval training methods in other low risk populations. The aging population is one such group of people who are looking for ways to maintain good health and participate in a range of fitness activities and evidence suggests these leisure-time activities are an important promoter of health [11].…”