Effect of an Exercise Training Rehabilitation Programm in Mild COPD Patients

A key component in the management of COPD patients is pulmonary rehabilitation, the cornerstone of which is exercise training. Usually pulmonary rehabilitation is prescribed when significant symptoms and moderate-severe functional impairment appear. We aimed to test the effect of exercise training in a group of mild COPD patients (GOLD).We studied 8 pts (6M, 2F). Data expressed as mean(SE): age 62(2,2), FEV1/FVC 62,2%(5,2), FEV1 81,2% (1,6), post 2 FEV1 82%(0,9) recruited from our outpatients clinic. Exercise tolerance has been assessed by bicycle ergometry (10Watt/min increment) and dyspnoea score by MRC scale. After, participants began a 3 months exercise training domiciliary program: walking for 30 x 3 times/week at 70-80% of maximal heart rate achieved during exercise test .All patients were carefully instructed how to carry out the programm. RESULTS: all patients completed the programm, no significant change has been observed in respiratory function test, VO2max, Anaerobic Threshold. Maximal Work (Watt) pre 70,5(10), post 90(11,7)**, Maximal Respiratory Rate pre 22,5(1,1) post 25,2(1,46)**, Respiratory Rate isoWatt pre 22,5(1,1), post 19,8(2)**. VEmax isoWatt pre38,6(3,8), post 32,2(4)** MRC scale pre 2, post 1** IsoWatt= Maximal Work attained at the pre training test CONCLUSION The results show a significant effect of aerobic exercise training in improving functional capacity and reducing dyspnoea scale also in mild COPD patients with few symptoms. Implementation of exercise reconditioning should thereafter be considered as a part of preventive care for patients with mild COPD. **p <0,05