This study was designed to test the following hypothesis:

To investigate whether COPD muscles can respond to stimuli in terms of changes in fiber-type distribution.

Background: Muscle dysfunction is a major problem in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is characterized by muscle fiber-type redistribution and oxidative stress. Classical training does not improve these features.

Objectives: To investigate whether electrostimulation program following exacerbation can modify muscle structure and function in COPD patients.

Method: We propose to conduct a controlled and randomized clinical trial comparing the efficacy of muscle electrostimulation training of the lower limbs to sham training in 15 patients with COPD. Patients are included in either 6 weeks of electrostimulation training (active treatment group) or 6 weeks of sham electrostimulation. Primary outcomes were changes in muscle structure, muscle oxidative stress and their relationship with quadriceps force and exercise tolerance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• COPD patients during or after exacerbation

Exclusion Criteria:

• Comorbidities that could limit exercise training
• Obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m²)
• Neuromuscular disease
• Pacemaker implantation