[The importance of training intensity for improving endurance capacity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]

Abstract

Background and objective: Patients with COPD often have exertional dyspnoea. They are incapacitated less by impairment of pulmonary function than by deconditioning of the cardiovascular and muscular systems. Pulmonary rehabilitation through the currently customary "low intensity" training programme can at best achieve limited improvement of aerobic capacity. The aim of this study was to clarify whether in the course of in-patient rehabilitation with a medical "high intensity" training regimen patients with COPD can better their endurance capacity (e.c.).

Patients and methods: Eleven patients with mild to moderate COPD (ten men, one woman; average age 59 [54-76] years) participated. In addition to optimal drug treatment they undertook "high intensity" training (to 85-95% of maximally achievable heart rate).

Results: The patients achieved significant (P < 0.05) improvement in maximal oxygen uptake, maximal performance and walking distance in the 6-minute walking test.

Conclusion: Medically supervised "high intensity" training can produce a significant rise in endurance capacity even in patients with COPD.