[Evaluation of exercise intensity for pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate proper methods and parameters of exercise intensity in pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).


METHODS
Symptom-limited cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) was performed in 30 male patients with moderate to severe COPD by cycle ergometer. Exercise intensity parameters, including the measured heart rate reserve (HRR%meas), the predictive heart rate reserve (HRR%pred) and the Borg scale were obtained. The distribution of these parameters ranged from 10% to 90% VO2max were compared. Multiple regression analysis was applied to analyze the relationship among heart rate (HR), the Borg scale and VO2max%.


RESULTS
The HRR%meas was close to VO2max%. The coefficient of variation (CV) of HRR%meas was larger than HRR%pred. The larger was the Borg scale, the smaller was the distribution of VO2max%. While the Borg scale were 3, 4, and 5, the exercise intensity achieved 60%, 72%, and 78% VO2max, respectively. Predicted equation (VO2max%=1.026xHR+27.688xBorg-0.179xHRxBorg-63.313, r=0.920, P=0.00) was obtained.


CONCLUSIONS
HRR%meas was a better parameter than HRR%pred for prescribing the exercise intensity. The Borg scale is a simple and applicable method to prescribe and monitor the exercise intensity. It is suggested that Borg scale should reach 4 (moderate dyspnea) in pulmonary rehabilitation for the male patients with moderate to severe COPD. Predicted equation for VO2max% is recommended for monitoring the exercise intensity.
Wen
Hong
H
Lung Function Department, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, First Hospital Affiliated, Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou 510120, China.
Gao
Yi
Y
An
Jia-ying
JY
Chen
Qiao-li
QL
Zheng
Jin-ping
JP
D000368:Aged; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D005082:Physical Exertion; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D014797:Vital Capacity