Isolated Resistance Training Programs to Improve Peripheral Muscle Function in Outpatients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases: A Systematic Review

Abstract

This systematic review aims to establish which isolated resistance training (RT) programs have been used in outpatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and their impact on all aspects of peripheral skeletal muscle function. Electronic databases were systematically searched up to June 2021. The eligibility criteria were: (1) randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supervised and isolated RT programs in outpatients with COPD and (2) RT programs lasting 8–12 weeks, (3) including at least one outcome measure related to trainable muscle characteristics. Initially, 6576 studies were identified, whereas 15 trials met the inclusion criteria. All the included trials reported that isolated RT improved both upper and lower limbs’ maximal strength. Muscle endurance and power also increased after RT but received less attention in the analysis. Furthermore, few studies assessed the effect of RT on muscle mass and cross-sectional area, reporting only limited improvement. Isolated RT programs carried out 2–3 days a week for 8–12 weeks improved skeletal muscle function in individuals with COPD. The RT program should be specifically focused to the trainable muscle characteristic to be improved. For this reason, we further encourage the introduction of a detailed assessment of muscle function and structure during the pulmonary rehabilitation practice.

Muscle Power in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

“…A similar decrease may also occur for muscle power, and since power training is recommended in older adults, it could also be suggested for patients with COPD [19,20]. However, limited data are available for exercise-based interventions to improve muscle power in individuals with COPD [21].…”

“…Previous reviews addressed the impact of various exercise-based interventions on different outcome measures of muscle function in persons with COPD [21][22][23][24]. However, the effects of exercise training on skeletal muscle power are yet to be explored, and a systematic review is needed to investigate the current COPD-related literature on this topic.…”

The effects of upper limb exercise training on upper limb muscle strength in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“… 3 , 8 , 9 In order to achieve muscular improvements, however, the exercise program should be specific and tailor to the muscles of interest. Although a detailed assessment of muscle function is recommended in the PR practice, 10 it seems that muscle strength receives less attention. 11 Moreover, literature and clinical practice focus mostly on quadriceps muscle strength, 3 and in many cases, skeletal muscle function and strengthening of the UL are not addressed at all.…”

Performance Score (T2D)—A New Perspective in the Assessment of Six-Minute Walking Tests in Pulmonary Rehabilitation

“…Exercise has beneficial effects on peripheral skeletal muscle strength and exercise capacity [ 9 ]. Resistance training improves maximal strength, as well as muscle endurance and power [ 10 ]. Aerobic exercise can effectively improve dyspnea, exercise capacity, and quality of life in patients with COPD [ 11 , 12 ].…”