Continuous versus interval trainings for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Objective To explore the effects of continuous versus interval trainings for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods This was a controlled, prospective randomized study. 35 patients with COPD took part in the rehabilitation program and were randomly divided into a continuous group and an interval group. Among the 35 patients, 29 completed the rehabilitation program, 15 in the continuous group and 14 in the interval group. 9 patients were set as a control group. Bicycle exercise training were conducted 2 days each week for 12 weeks. The continuous group trained with the intensity corresponding to Borg scale 4 (moderate dyspnea) for 30 min constantly. The interval group trained with a tolerance for the highest level intensity for 30 seconds, then had a break for 30 seconds, alternatively. The control group took no exercise training. The main assessments included lung function test, six-minutes walking distance, and St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, being evaluated before and after the pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Results There were statistical differences in FVC, FEV1, FVC%pred, FEV1%pred, and MVV between before and after the rehabilitation in both groups (allP>0.05) . After the rehabilitation, the interval group’s six-minutes walking distance was (63.8±72.3) and increased (24±27) % (P 0.05) . Conclusion Continuous and interval trainings both can improve the exercise capacity and health status of patients with COPD and have similar improvement effects. Key words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Pulmonary rehabilitation; Exercise therapy; Health status