The aim of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness of combined concentric and eccentric aerobic training in subjects with COPD, in terms of strength, lung capacity, functionality, and short-term health quality. A randomized, examiner-blinded clinical trial has been designed for this purpose, following the CONSORT guidelines for clinical trials and the ethical principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. A total sample of 40 subjects has been estimated. The study is aimed at patients diagnosed with mild or moderate COPD. A program of 12 group sessions will be conducted over 4 weeks. Each session will last 75 minutes and will include strength exercises and respiratory physiotherapy, common to all subjects. The interval aerobic training will depend on the assigned group: treadmill with negative and positive (or neutral) incline (experimental group), treadmill with positive incline and/or cycle ergometer (control group). The following variables will be measured on the first and last day of treatment, as well as one month after the intervention ends: thickness, cross-sectional area, and ultrasound intensity of the rectus femoris muscle; diaphragmatic excursion and thickness; 5 sit to stand test; get up and go test; Borg scale; maximum respiratory pressures; grip strength in both hands and maximum quadriceps strength; spirometric assessment of FEV1 and SF-12 health quality questionnaire.
Present with dyspnea grade 2-3 on the mMRC scale.
Sufficient cognitive and functional level to understand, learn, and carry out the exercise program.
No contraindications to physical training.
Active participants.
Renal failure requiring dialysis.
Patients with uncontrolled bronchospasm due to intrinsic asthma.
Patients undergoing chemotherapy after surgery.
Severe exercise intolerance due to untreated cardiac arrhythmias, ischemia during low-intensity exercise (unstable angina), severe pulmonary hypertension, or heart failure (NYHA class III or IV).