Effects of combined training vs aerobic training on cognitive functions in COPD: a randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of high-intensity aerobic training (AT) and high-intensity aerobic training combined with resistance training (ie, combined training [CT]) on cognitive function in patients with COPD.


METHODS
Twenty-eight Caucasian male patients (68.35±9.64 years; mean ± SD) with COPD were recruited and randomized into two groups, AT and CT. Both groups performed physical reconditioning for 4 weeks, with a frequency of five training sessions per week. The CT group completed two daily sessions of 30 minutes: one aerobic session and one strength session, respectively; The AT group performed two 30-minute aerobic endurance exercise sessions on treadmill. Physical and cognitive function tests were performed before and after the training intervention performances.


RESULTS
Exercise training improved the following cognitive functions: long-term memory, verbal fluency, attentional capacity, apraxia, and reasoning skills (P<0.01). Moreover, the improvements in the CT group were significantly greater than those in the AT group in long-term memory, apraxia, and reasoning skills (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
CT may be a possible strategy to prevent cognitive decline and associated comorbidities in male patients with COPD.
Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
Giovanna
G
Aquino
Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
Enzo
E
Iuliano
Department of Health Science, University ForoItalico, Rome, Italy.
Alessandra
A
di Cagno
"Villa Margherita", Benevento, Italy.
Angela
A
Vardaro
Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
Giovanni
G
Fiorilli
Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
Stefano
S
Moffa
Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
Alfonso
A
Di Costanzo
"Villa Margherita", Benevento, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
De Simone
Department of Medicine and Health Sciences "Vincenzo Tiberio", University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
Giuseppe
G
Calcagno
D000368:Aged; D003071:Cognition; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000523:psychology*; D016037:Single-Blind Method
cognition; physical training; rehabilitation; resistance training; respiratory disease