Functional Strength Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Severe Acute Exacerbations of COPD

Summary

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent and frequently punctuated by severe acute exacerbations (AECOPD), defined as a temporary worsening of symptoms which leads to hospitalisation. AECOPD result in physical inactivity, muscle weakness and decreased exercise capacity, which impacts negatively on patients' health status, and increases patients' susceptibility for new exacerbations and death. To date, light aerobic exercises, such as early mobilisation and low-intensity ambulation, have become part of standard of care during severe AECOPD. Nevertheless, additional strength training using neuromuscular electrical stimulation and functional exercises, which have been shown to prevent skeletal muscle dysfunction whilst inducing minimal stress in the ventilatory system, might be of added value to optimize patients' functional performance and symptoms during activities at discharge. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of additional functional strength training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation on top of standard of care during hospitalisation for an AECOPD to enhance functional performance, symptoms of dyspnoea and fatigue during activities, and readmission rate.

Timeline

Start

2022-06-01

Primary completion

2023-12-01

Completion

2023-12-01

Drugs

Indications