Resistance Training Prevents Deterioration in Quadriceps Muscle Function During Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Resistance training is safe, successfully counteracts skeletal muscle dysfunction during acute exacerbations of COPD, and may up-regulate the anabolic milieu in the skeletal muscle. Clinical trial registered with www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00877084).

Respiratory Muscle Strength During and After Hospitalization for COPD Exacerbation

“…In fact, patients with history of multiple hospital admissions for COPD exacerbation have greater expiratory muscle strength than more stable patients. 7,8 Regarding quadriceps peak torque, we observed no difference between the 3 assessment days, similar to Troosters et al 18 Two other studies, 5,6 however, found a decrease of 5% of predicted in quadriceps peak torque during the hospitalization period. Besides the study of Troosters et al, 18 which found no decrease in this variable, Spruit et al 6 found that 48% of their subjects had no change or an increase in quadriceps peak torque.…”

“…Reference values are also used to express the results. 17 Quadriceps muscle strength was measured as quadriceps peak torque during an isometric contraction of the quadriceps of the dominant side, and at 60°of knee flexion, 18 with a dynamometer (microFET2, Hoggan Health, Salt Lake City, Utah) anchored to fixed multi-gym equipment; this adaptation was previously validated. 19 The best of 3 acceptable and reproducible maneuvers was considered for analysis.…”

Rehabilitation in Patients Undergoing Lung Transplantation (LTx)

“…Active lower limb resistance training has previously been proved to be an effective and feasible treatment option for severely disabled patients. 23 When patients are discharged from the ICU, a more active rehabilitation approach should be sought mainly with respect to building sufficient lower extremity strength, balance and gait to ensure patient safety and to minimize the risk of falls prior to hospital discharge. The suggested content of rehabilitation during hospitalization after LTx is summarized in Table 4.…”

COPD and muscle loss: is blood flow restriction a potential treatment?

“…Another study examined the effects of only seven resistance training sessions (70%1RM) and observed an increase in quadriceps strength and a decrease in myostatin mRNA expression. 16 The ability to increase muscle mass and strength in COPD patients may be similar to healthy adults. To illustrate, Constantin et al 17 found that thigh lean mass and strength increased similarly to healthy subjects after performing 8 weeks of maximal isokinetic knee extensions.…”