Author(s): HSU, H., LIN, Y., CHEN, S., LIU, W., WANG, J., Institution: FU JEN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, FU JEN CATHOLIC UNIVERSITY, Country: TAIWAN, Abstract-ID: 806

INTRODUCTION:
Background:
Pulmonary ventilatory and peripheral muscle dysfunction often prevent patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) from tolerating high-intensity exercise required to improve muscle strength. Additionally, COPD patients frequently suffer from systemic inflammation, leading to exercise intolerance and ultimately a decline in health-related quality of life. Eccentric cycling allows high mechanical loading at a relatively low metabolic/cardiopulmonary cost and may therefore represent a feasible alternative training modality for patients with COPD.
Objective:
This study investigated the effects of intelligent eccentric cycling training on cardiopulmonary/muscular fitness, functional performance, and peripheral blood immune markers in patients with COPD.
METHODS:
Participants (n=26) were randomly assigned to either the training group (n=14) or the control group (n=12). The training group completed a 12-week intelligent eccentric cycling training program, which included a 2-week adaptation period and a 10-week formal training period, with exercise intensity gradually increasing from 80% to 160% of peak workload (Wpeak). The control group received general healthcare and maintained their daily activities. Measurements were taken at baseline, during the control period, and after the intervention, including cardiopulmonary exercise test, timed up and go test (TUG), 6-minute walk test (6MWT), isokinetic strength test, and hematological/immunological parameters.
RESULTS:
Before the intervention, there were no significant differences in cardiopulmonary exercise variables, isokinetic muscle performance, and hematological/immunological parameters between the training and control groups. Eccentric cycling training for 10 weeks (i) increased the distance of 6MWT, (ii) improved TUG performance, (iii) increased relative work at 60°/sec and 180°/sec during knee extension, (iv) lowered the muscular fatigue index of knee extension, and (v) reduced neutrophil count and the ratio of CD4 to CD8 cells in the training group. However, no significant changes in cardiopulmonary/muscular fitness and hematological/immunological parameters after 12-week general healthcare in the control group.
CONCLUSION:
The intelligent eccentric cycling regimen effectively improves cardiopulmonary/muscular fitness, functional performance, and immune regulation, providing a clinically feasible training strategy for pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD.