Abstract
Background: Ground-based walking training, which can be applied easily and can be used in situations where special equipment is not available, may be useful for PH patients.
Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effects of ground-based walking training on exercise capacity, physical activity (PA), balance, quadriceps muscle strength and quality of life (QoL) in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH).
Method: Twenty people included in the study. Patients randomly assigned to two groups as walking and control group. The walking group participated in the 30 minutes supervised ground-based walking training 2 days/week for 8 weeks. In addition, they walked unsupervised at least one day in a week. The control group received no intervention. Both groups number of weekly steps recorded via a pedometer. Incremental Shuttle Walk Test, Endurance Shuttle Walk Test and Six Minute Walk Test were used for the evaluation of exercise capacity, activity monitor and pedometer for PA, Time Up-Go Test and Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale for balance, dynamometer, for quadriceps muscle strength and Emphasis-10 for QoL.
Results: After eight weeks, endurance time and the number of steps increased in the walking group and symptom of leg fatigue were improved (respectively; p<0.005, p<0.007, p<0.013). The other parameters of PA, quadriceps muscle strength, balance and QoL were similar in two groups (p>0.05).
Method: The results of the study showed that ground-based walking can improve endurance capacity, the number of steps and symptom of leg fatigue after exercise tests. No negative events occurred during the training period. Ground-based walking training can be performed safely in patients with PH.
Footnotes
Cite this article as: European Respiratory Journal 2020; 56: Suppl. 64, 4743.
This abstract was presented at the 2020 ERS International Congress, in session “Respiratory viruses in the "pre COVID-19" era”.
This is an ERS International Congress abstract. No full-text version is available. Further material to accompany this abstract may be available at www.ers-education.org (ERS member access only).
- Copyright ©the authors 2020