Project R-11133

Effects of functional strength training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation during hospitalisation for acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a randomised controlled trial (Research)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent and frequently punctuated by severe acute exacerbations (AECOPD), 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 their 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.

01 November 2020 - 31 December 2023