High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Bronchiectasis Patients

Investigation of the Effectiveness of High-Intensity Interval Exercise in Bronchiectasis Patients

The aim of our study is to investigate the effect of high-intensity interval exercise (HIIE) on the symptoms of bronchiectasis in patients with the disease. The main questions it aims to answer are:

1. Does HIIE improve respiratory function in patients with bronchiectasis?
2. Does HIIE increase functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, and quality of life in patients with bronchiectasis?
3. Does HIIE reduce the severity of dyspnea, cough symptoms, and fatigue in patients with bronchiectasis?

The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention and control.

Participants will:

The intervention group will receive HIIE training three days a week along with airway clearance techniques.

The control group would receive only airway clearance techniques. Airway clearance techniques will be provided clinically (three days a week) and at home, according to the needs of the individuals each day of the week.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Being over 18 years of age
2. Having a clinical and radiological diagnosis of non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis
3. Absence of cognitive impairment (MMT>24)
4. Being clinically stable (not having experienced any exacerbation in the last 4 weeks)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of any disease that may affect compliance with exercise (Unstable angina (within the last month), recent myocardial infarction (heart attack), uncontrolled arrhythmias, severe aortic stenosis, decompensated heart failure, severe pulmonary hypertension, acute respiratory tract infection, severe hypoxemia at rest (<85%), orthopedic or neurological problems that impede walking, severe anemia, acute infections, very high resting blood pressure (systolic >180-200 mmHg, diastolic >100-110 mmHg), psychological issues, etc.)
2. Smoking
3. Chronic alcoholism that may affect exercise safety (More than 1 drink per day on average for women, more than 2 drinks per day on average for men (1 standard drink ≈ 10-14 g of alcohol)
4. Presence of any respiratory tract disease other than bronchiectasis
5. After incremental shuttle walk test arterial oxygen saturation <80%
6. Participation in a structured exercise program within the last 6 months