PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Maurice Sillen
AU  - Frits Franssen
AU  - Jeannet Delbressine
AU  - Anouk Vaes
AU  - Emiel Wouters
AU  - Martijn Spruit
TI  - Effects of 8-wk muscle training in dyspneic COPD patients: Results from the DICES study
DP  - 2013 Sep 01
TA  - European Respiratory Journal
PG  - 1987
VI  - 42
IP  - Suppl 57
4099  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/1987.short
4100  - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/42/Suppl_57/1987.full
SO  - Eur Respir J2013 Sep 01; 42
AB  - BackgroundStrength training (ST) and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) improve muscle function, exercise capacity and health status in dyspneic COPD patients. Differences in effects between low-frequency (LF-NMES; 15 Hz), high-frequency NMES (HF-NMES; 75 Hz) and ST have not been studied in COPD. The aim was to compare effects of LF-NMES, HF-NMES and ST in dyspneic COPD patients with quadriceps weakness.MethodEffects on quadriceps function, exercise capacity and health status were studied in the DICES study (Dyspneic Individuals with COPD: Electrical stimulation or Strength training). 120 patients (age: 64 (8) yrs; FEV1: 33 (13) %pred; all MRC 4/5) were randomly assigned to an 8-wk LF-NMES, HF-NMES, or ST program as part of inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation. Endurance training was not performed.ResultsGroups were similar at baseline. Quadriceps strength and endurance, exercise capacity and health status improved following HF-NMES or ST. LF-NMES improved quadriceps endurance, exercise capacity and health status. Change in quadriceps strength following HF-NMES was higher compared to LF-NMES (table).View this table:Changes in muscle function, exercise capacity and health statusConclusionDyspneic COPD patients with lower-limb muscle weakness retain the capacity to improve lower-limb muscle function, exercise capacity and health status. HF-NMES seems a reasonable option.