Article

Quadriceps muscle weakness is a serious complication of physical
inactivity following hospitalization due to acute exacerbations of chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD). Preventing strength loss during AECOPD is
therefore a high priority. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of progressive
knee-extension resistance training, using ankle weight cuffs on patients with
AECOPD, based on prespecified criteria for feasibility.
METHODS: Thirty-four
patients (18 men, mean age 74 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second = 33%
predicted) with AECOPD participated in daily knee-extension strength training.
During training, the patients were seated on the bedside and performed 3 sets of
10-repetition maximum loads, using ankle weight cuffs. The primary outcome was
the change in load from the first to last training sessions. The secondary
outcomes were changes in maximal isometric knee-extension strength, the
Sit-to-Stand (STS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) tests. RESULTS: The training load
increased progressively by a mean (standard deviation) of 54% +/- 41% (when
calculated on an individual basis), from a mean of 6.5 +/- 3.3 to 9.2 +/- 3.5 kg
over the course of 5.6 +/- 2.3 training days (P < .001). Knee-extension strength
improved by a mean of 12% (P = .02), whereas the TUG and STS test performances
improved by 11% (P = .001) and 19% (P = .03), respectively. Ninety-eight percent
of the planned training sessions were completed with no side effects.
CONCLUSIONS: Progressive resistance training with ankle weight cuffs is feasible
in patients who are severely disabled due to AECOPD. The approach is simple and
seems to counteract the loss of muscle strength and function during
hospitalization.

Langue : ANGLAIS