Effects of twelve weeks of aerobic training on autonomic modulation, mucociliary clearance and aerobic parameters in patients with copd

Abstract

Introduction: Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) exhibit aerobic function, autonomic nervous system and mucociliary clearance alterations. These parameters are able to be attenuated by aerobic training, which can be applied with continuous or interval efforts. However, the possible effects of aerobic training using progressively both continuous and interval sessions (i.e., linear periodization), requires further investigation. Aim: To analyze the effects of 12-weeks aerobic training using continuous and interval sessions, on autonomic modulation, mucociliary clearance and aerobic function in patients with COPD. Methods: sixteen patients with COPD were divided into an aerobic continuous and interval training group (AT) (n=10) and a control group (CG) (n=6). An incremental test (initial speed of 2.0 km.h-1, constant slope of 3% and increments of 0.5 km.h-1 every 2 mins). The training group underwent training for four weeks at 60% of the peak velocity reached in the incremental test (vVO2PEAK) (50 mins of continuous effort), followed by four weeks of sessions at 75% of vVO2PEAK (30 min of continuous effort) and, finally, four weeks of interval training (5x3min effort at vVO2PEAK, separated by one minute of passive recovery). Intensities were adjusted through an incremental test performed at the end of each period. Results: The AT presented an increase in the high frequency index (HFms2) (p=0.04), peak oxygen uptake (VO2PEAK) (p=0.01), vVO2PEAK (p=0.04), and anaerobic threshold (p=0.02). No significant changes were observed in the CG (p >0.21) group. Neither of the groups presented changes in mucociliary clearance after 12 weeks (AT: p=0.94 and CG: p=0.69). Conclusions: Twelve weeks of aerobic training (continuous and interval sessions) positively influenced the autonomic modulation and aerobic parameters in patients with COPD. However, mucociliary clearance was not affected by aerobic training.Keywords: COPD; exercise; aerobic treatment; mucociliary clearance (AU)