Which Training Is More Effective in Post-COVID-19 Geriatric Patients with COPD: Cycle Ergometer Interval Training or Continuous Training?

TL;DR

This study compares continuous and interval training for elderly COPD patients after COVID-19, finding continuous training more effective for improving exercise tolerance and functional fitness.

Contribution

The study provides evidence that continuous training is more effective than interval training for geriatric COPD patients post-COVID-19.

Findings

Both continuous and interval training improved exercise tolerance and functional fitness in patients.

Continuous training showed significantly greater improvements in 6MWT distance, METs, and TUG test time.

Continuous training is recommended for respiratory rehabilitation in this patient group.

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory rehabilitation programs for geriatric patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after COVID-19 require a precise assessment of needs and an individualized approach. However, there is a lack of specific recommendations for aerobic training in this patient group. Objective: The study aimed to compare two types of aerobic training—continuous and interval—and to determine which one is more effective and should be included in the respiratory rehabilitation program for geriatric patients with COPD after COVID-19. Methods: Of the 480 patients examined, 80 were included in the study. All patients underwent exercise tolerance tests (6-Minute Walk Test—6MWT) and functional performance tests (get-up-and-go test—TUG) before and after a 3-week intensive respiratory rehabilitation program. Results: Both types of training—interval and continuous—contributed to improved exercise tolerance and functional fitness in patients. However, analysis of the differences between the groups showed that continuous training with increasing exercise intensity resulted in significantly greater improvements in distance covered during the 6MWT, energy expenditure (METs), and TUG test time (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Continuous training on a cycle ergometer is more effective in the rehabilitation of geriatric patients with COPD after COVID-19 and should be included in therapeutic programs.