Effect and Feasibility of Non-linear Periodized Resistance Training in People With COPD

Effect and Feasibility of Non-linear Periodized Resistance Training in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a Randomized Controlled Multicenter Trial

This study aims at improving the knowledge about resistance training for people with COPD. Resistance training is an important part of pulmonary rehabilitation when the goal is to improve muscular endurance and strength. The study will evaluate the effects and the feasibility of two resistance training programs for people with COPD using a parallel group design. One program will include a larger day-to-day variation (i.e. non-linear periodization) and the progression will be guided by ratings of dyspnea, muscle fatigue, and exertion. The other program will follow the established guidelines for resistance training for people with COPD. The programs will be evaluated for effects regarding muscular endurance, strength, intramuscular adaptions, functional preformance, dyspnea, and health related quality of life. The programs will also be evaluated for feasibility regarding the duration of training sessions, attendance rates, adverse events, and participant satisfaction. The hypothesis is that the non-linear periodization group will have superior effects and that feasibility aspects will be similar between groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• FEV1/FVC ratio < 70% postbronchodilator
• FEV1 <80% of the predicted normal value postbronchodilator

Exclusion Criteria:

• Clinical evidence of asthma, cardiovascular diseases, and/or neuromuscular diseases that are unstable and/or that may contribute to exercise limitation
• Other contraindications to exercise
• Currently participating in a structured exercise or pulmonary rehabilitation program or been involved in pulmonary rehabilitation in the past 6 months
• Experienced a COPD exacerbation and/or change in medication dosage/frequency in the past 6 weeks