[Heart rate measurement for determination of training intensity in outpatient pulmonary sport groups]

Exercise training is an integral component of the management of patients with asthma and COPD. A training intensity of 60-80% of maximum oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) has been recommended. Instead of ergospirometry measurement of heart rate can be used for training guidance. It is unknown whether the given target can be reached in outpatient training groups with substantial heterogeneity concerning diagnosis, disease severity, and age.

61 adult patients (m = 15, w = 46; 63 +/- 9 years) with asthma (n = 50) or COPD (n = 11) exercised in groups of ambulant lung sports. An individualized target heart rate was calculated corresponding to an intensity of 60% to 80% of calculated VO(2)max which was equivalent to a heart rate from 97 to 137 beats per minute in the population studied. Heart rate, as a measure of the intensity of charge, was measured continuously with pulse frequency meters.

All but one asthma patient exercised in the targeted heart rate range. Patients reached 81 +/- 9% of the training goal of calculated 80% VO(2)max (asthma patients: 79 +/- 9% vs. COPD patients: 88 +/- 9%, p < 0.005) No significant differences regarding training intensities were observed in relation to severity of illness or age.

In outpatient lung sport groups of considerable heterogeneity regarding diagnosis, severity of illness and age, participants reach their individualized heart rate target range. COPD patients were training at a significantly higher relative training intensity. Heart rate is an easy to use parameter for training guidance.