Analysis of autonomic modulation after an acute session of aerobic exercise at different intensities in patients with moderate and severe COPD

Background: Despite the many benefits promoted by performing physical exercise in patients with COPD, information on the response of acute cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with moderate and severe COPD during and after an aerobic exercise session at different intensities are unknown. Objectives: To evaluate the acute response of cardiac autonomic modulation in patients with moderate e severe COPD during and after an aerobic exercise session at different intensities. Methods: Twenty-seven patients with COPD were divided into two groups: Moderate COPD Group and Severe COPD Group. They underwent a session of aerobic exercise with intensity equivalent to 60% and 90% of velocity corresponding to VO 2peak (vVO 2peak ). The heart rate variability (HRV) indexes were analyzed in time and frequency domains at the following times: at rest, during exercise, immediately after, five, 10 and 15 minutes after exercise. Results: In the comparison analysis between the two groups (Moderate and Severe) it was not observed significant differences in any of the HRV indexes in different intensities applied, ie, both groups showed similar behavior, both during and in recovery from exercise at 60 and 90% of peak oxygen uptake (vVO 2peak ). However it was observed that the exercise caused autonomic changes when the groups were analyzed separately. Conclusions: Sessions of aerobic exercise influenced the autonomic modulation in patients with COPD. Although COPD severity did not influenced ANS response to exercise and recovery moments; and there was no difference between the protocols.