Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 17, 2026
07:10
Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Nutritional targets to enhance exercise performance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Coby van de Bool1, Michael C Steiner, Annemie M W J Schols
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, NUTRIM School for Nutrition, Toxicology, and Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre+, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|October 19, 2012
Summary
Nutrition may enhance exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but more research is needed. While some supplements show promise, evidence for their ergogenic aid effect in COPD patients is limited.
Area of Science:
- Exercise physiology
- Nutritional science
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with altered body composition and skeletal muscle dysfunction.
- Muscle impairments in COPD include reduced oxidative metabolism and increased oxidative stress.
- Muscle wasting in COPD may be linked to vitamin D and branched-chain amino acid deficiencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale and efficacy of nutrition as an ergogenic aid for exercise and training in COPD.
- To explore the potential of nutritional interventions to improve exercise capacity in COPD patients.
Main Methods:
- Review of current knowledge on nutrition and exercise in COPD.
- Analysis of clinical trial evidence for nutritional supplementation.
- Examination of metabolic routes and targets for intervention.
Main Results:
- Exercise training benefits COPD patients, but direct evidence for nutritional interventions enhancing performance is lacking.
- Polyunsaturated fatty acids may improve exercise capacity in COPD when combined with training.
- Conflicting results exist for creatine, glutamate, and glutamine supplementation; visceral fat is a potential target.
Conclusions:
- There is a need for well-powered, controlled trials to determine the role of nutritional supplementation in COPD.
- Further research is required to establish the effectiveness of ergogenic aids in enhancing exercise performance and managing systemic features of COPD.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation
01:30Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Nursing management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is crucial for providing thorough care and support to patients. Nurses play an integral role in this process through detailed assessment, careful planning, targeted interventions, and ongoing evaluation. Here's an overview of the critical steps in nursing management for COPD.
Assessment
Assessment
01:26COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Chronic obstructive pulmonary isease (COPD) involves a group of progressive lung disorders characterized by persistent airflow limitation and chronic respiratory symptoms. Asthma-COPD Overlap Syndrome (ACOS), encompassing features of both asthma and Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), is a group of progressive lung disorders that includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. ACOS leads to complex clinical presentations that combine the inflammatory...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
Chronic Inflammation