INTEREST OF INDIVIDUALIZED TRAINING-PROGR AM AT THE VENTILATORY THRESHOLD IN MILD-TO-MODERATE COPD PATIENTS

In order to study the efficiency of individual training programs at th e ventilatory threshold level, twenty COPD patients were randomized in to two groups and studied over a two-month period. At the start during , and at the end of the study all subjects performed incremental exerc ise tests. The trained group (59.60 SEM +/-2.75 years) walked four tim es a week at the heart rate corresponding to the metabolic level of ve ntilatory threshold. The other group served as controls (58.2+/-1.80 y ears). A marked increase in the symptom-limited oxygen consumption (+/ -25%) (p<0.01), the maximal ventilation (+20%) (p<0.01), and the venti latory threshold (+19%) (p<0.05) was found in the trained group. No mo dification was recorded in the control group. The ventilatory pattern at submaximal intensities expressed in percentage of the initial oxyge n consumption showed significant differences between groups. the train ed-group ventilation decreased at 50% and 75% VO2 sl (p<0.05). The bre athing frequency also decreased at 50% and 75% VO2 sl (p<0.05). Moreov er, we observed an increase in the oxygen pulse at 50% VO2 sl (p<0.05) . In conclusion, this study demonstrates that individualized training at the ventilatory threshold level increases exercise tolerance and pr oduces better ventilatory confort in COPD patients.