Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Oxidative Stress in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients

Mitochondrial Respiratory Chain and Peripheral Muscle Dysfunction in COPD Patients

The purpose of this study is to understand the underlying mechanisms of improved exercise tolerance in COPD patients after training program.

Training protocol used is based on recommendations (Nici et al., 2006) and was previously used in our group (Varray et al., 1991; Vallet et al., 1997). A minimum of 20 sessions in 4-6 weeks were proposed. The exercise intensity of exercise corresponds to target heart rate at ventilatory threshold measured during incremental exercise test. Training at this intensity allowed us to individualize effort for each patient.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Sedentary mild to severe COPD patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neuromuscular disease
• Chronic heart failure
• Renal diseases
• Liver diseases
• Obesity