The Effect of Aerobic Training on Healthy Small Airways—A Forced Oscillation Technique Approach to Optimize Long Term Care in COPD

TL;DR

This study shows that low-intensity aerobic training can immediately improve small airway function in healthy people, suggesting benefits for COPD care.

Contribution

The study introduces impulse oscillometry as a superior method to monitor the effects of aerobic training on small airways compared to spirometry.

Findings

Low-intensity aerobic training significantly reduced airway resistance in healthy volunteers.

The reactance component X5 decreased significantly in the normal weight subgroup after exercise.

Impulse oscillometry provides more detailed data than spirometry for monitoring training effects.

Abstract

Limited data exist on the underlying physiological phenomena of aerobic training; the impulse oscillometry method, allowing the assessment of small airways and lung periphery in addition to standard lung function testing, might be a useful addition to rehabilitation programs. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to determine the immediate effect of a structured low-intensity aerobic training program on small airway function in healthy volunteers to explore potential implications for long-term COPD care. Methods: Thirty-six healthy volunteers were recruited between May 2024 and January 2025; each participant underwent a lung function testing session, followed by low/moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, and, after 15 min, by a second impulse oscillometry assessment. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in airway resistance following the physical exertion for the whole group (mean difference 0.03 kPa/L/s, 95%CI 0–0.6 kPa/L/s); significantly lower values were recorded for the reactance component X5 (0.02 kPa/L/s, 95%CI 0–0.4 kPa/L/s) for the normal weight subgoup (n = 24). These results, corroborated with literature data, suggest optimization of the distribution of the airflow and possibly alteration of the elastic properties of the thoracic structures following even low-intensity effort. Conclusions: Low-intensity upper body strength and aerobic training seem to have an immediate respiratory beneficial effect on healthy volunteers manifested as a reduction in airway resistance. The underlying mechanism might be related to improved contractility of respiratory muscles, but changes in lung parenchyma elasticity may also be involved, possibly reflecting modifications of ventilation heterogeneity. Impulse oscillometry may be superior to spirometry in monitoring the effects of aerobic training, considering the additional data it provides, and could be used to optimize and personalize rehabilitation protocols.

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