Low-load Blood Flow Restriction Training in COPD

Low-load Blood Flow Restriction Training in COPD

Peripheral muscle weakness is a predominant problem in patients with COPD and treated using exercise training in pulmonary rehabilitation. Despite pulmonary rehabilitation being an effective intervention, muscle strength impairment is a persisting problem in COPD patients. Patients have problems to tolerate the high training loads, which are necessary to develop strength. Low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT) might therefore be an option to enhance muscular response of patients with COPD to strength training. Up to now, no studies investigating LL-BFRT in respiratory diseases are available.

The primary outcome of this randomized pilot study is knee extensor muscle strength. Secondary, the study will evaluate if LL-BFRT is well tolerated and feasible in COPD patients attending outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed COPD according to GOLD-guidelines
• Assigned to outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation by the treating physician

Exclusion Criteria:

• Physical or intellectual impairment precluding informed consent or protocol adherence
• Non-German speaking (precluding informed consent)
• Acute or recent (within the last 6 weeks) exacerbation of COPD
• Attending a pulmonary rehabilitation program within the last 3 months
• Pregnant patients
• History of thromboembolic event in the lower extremity
• Diagnosis of polyneuropathy
• Resting systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg