Abstract
Background: High-repetitive resistance training is recommended to increase peripheral muscular endurance in healthy adults, however the effects of resistance training with this design in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is less known.
Aim: Investigate how low load / high repetition elastic band resistance training (RT) affect muscular function in patients with COPD.
Methods: Forty-four patients with COPD (FEV1 44.6% predicted) were recruited and randomized to either RT in combination with patient education (PE) or to PE alone. Blinded measurements of muscle function were performed at baseline and after 8 weeks on a stationary dynamometer. Isokinetic peak torque (Nm) and the total work (Joules (J)) of 30 consecutive repetitions was used for shoulder flexion and knee extension maximal strength and peripheral muscle endurance respectively. RT is a resistance training regimen performed with one leg /arm at a time using elastic bands and body weight as resistance.
Results: The between group differences were in favor of the RT group with regard to peripheral muscle endurance in shoulder flexion (mean difference, 95% confidence interval, (60 J; 19 to 102, p=.005), in knee extension (184 J; 24 to 343, p=.018) and maximal strength in knee extension (9 Nm; 3 to 16, p=.003). Also with regard to maximal strength during shoulder flexion (4 Nm; -0,2 to 8, p=.061) the result was in favor of the RT group, however not significant.
Conclusion: The present study indicates that 8 weeks of RT seems effective with regard to both peripheral muscular endurance and maximal strength in patients with COPD.
- © 2014 ERS