<p>Enhanced External Counterpulsation Efficacy on Exercise Endurance in COPD Patients and Healthy Subjects: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial</p>

Abstract

These authors contributed equally to this workPurpose: Enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) is popular in China for the treatment of coronary heart diseases, but it may be an effective treatment for other populations. This study aimed to explore the effect of EECP on exercise endurance of healthy people and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients and provide intervention measures to improve their physical condition. Patients and methods: Patients were enrolled in this pilot randomized controlled trial at Jiangbin Hospital, China, between March 1st and May 30th, 2018. They were randomly divided into the EECP and non-EECP groups. According to their maximal oxygen uptake, the volunteers were also sub-grouped into the normal, low exercise endurance, and COPD subgroups. Differences in exercise endurance were evaluated between the EECP and non-EECP groups before and after treatment. Cardiopulmonary exercise testng included anaerobic threshold oxygen uptake (AT-VO 2 Kg), maximum oxygen uptake (Max-VO 2 Kg), anaerobic threshold pulse (AT-O 2 puls), anaerobic threshold metabolic equivalent (AT-Mets), and maximum metabolic equivalent (Max-Mets). Results: 72 volunteers were enrolled. The EECP and non-EECP groups were similar in terms of age, sex, body mass index, blood pressure, heart rate, breathing frequency, AT-VO 2 Kg, Max-VO 2 Kg, AT-O 2 puls, AT-Mets, and Max-Mets (P > 0.05) before treatment. EECP significantly improved AT-VO 2 Kg, Max-VO 2 Kg, AT-O 2 puls, AT-Mets, and Max-Mets compared with the non-EECP group (P<0.05). When analyzed according to sub-groups, the AT-VO 2 Kg, Max-VO 2 Kg, AT-O 2 puls, AT-Mets, and Max-Mets of the normal, low exercise endurance, and COPD subgroups were all significantly increased after EECP (P<0.05). Conclusion: EECP significantly improved the exercise endurance of normal adults, low endurance adults, and COPD patients. Registration number: ChiCTR1900021993.

Enhanced external counterpulsation ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and elevates exercise tolerance in patients with coronary artery disease

“…Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was a combination of exercise physiology and the relationship between gas metabolism indicators and is an objective and quantitative method for evaluating cardiopulmonary reserve function ( 34 ). In healthy people, EECP improved hemodynamic status and microcirculation, increased splanchnic perfusion, increased pulmonary blood flow, and increased the pulmonary V/Q ratio, thereby improved lung oxygenation ( 35 – 37 ). The current study focused on patients with CAD.…”

Enhanced External Counterpulsation as a Novel Treatment for Post-acute COVID-19 Sequelae

“…A recently published study showed improved exercise endurance in those with low-to-normal exercise endurance, as well as in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients. Significant improvements in maximum oxygen uptake (VO 2 -MaxKg) were seen after three weeks of EECP therapy [ 8 ]. Lastly, EECP has also been known to enhance cerebral blood flow, collateralization in the ischemic regions of the brain, and cognitive function.…”

Enhanced External Counterpulsation for Management of Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Associated Microvascular Angina and Fatigue: An Interventional Pilot Study

“…EECP also improves time to ST-segment depression, treadmill exercise duration, ejection fraction, and cardiac output/efficiency in this patient group [ 14 ]. Benefits of EECP are moreover shown in patients without underlying cardiovascular disease as a recent study showed improved exercise endurance and maximum oxygen uptake after three weeks of treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [ 15 ]. Furthermore, EECP has also been known to enhance cerebral blood flow, collateralization in the ischemic regions of the brain, and cognitive function in ischemic stroke patients [ 16 ].…”