Elastic Tubing Resistance Training and Autonomic Modulation in Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

This study addresses evidence concerning elastic tubing resistance training (ET) on autonomic modulation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Autonomic dysfunction is common in COPD and contributes to the development of arrhythmias and sudden death. Along with autonomic dysfunction, muscle dysfunction is related to functional limitations and prognosis of the disease. This study investigated the effects of ET on autonomic modulation, muscle strength, and walking distance in COPD. Subjects were divided into two groups, ET (n = 20; 66,5 ± 8,9 y; 25,5 ± 3,5 kg/m²; FEV₁/FVC: 50,3 ± 11,0) and conventional training (n = 19; 66,0 ± 6,9; 27,1 ± 4,3; FEV₁/FVC: 55,05 ± 9,56). Both groups undertook 24 sessions for 60 minutes, 3 times in a week. The significance level was p ≤ 0,05. Autonomic modulation was evaluated using heart rate variability in the time (rMSSD, ms) and frequency domain (HF, ms). Strength for upper and lower limbs was measured using dynamometry and walking distance was measured using a 6-minute walking test. There were no significant differences in the outcomes between groups. There was an increment to rMSSD [(16,7 ± 11,0 versus 20,8 ± 14,9) versus (14,2 ± 10,0 versus 17,4 ± 12,1)], HF [(141,9 ± 191,3 versus 234,9 ± 335,7) versus (94,1 ± 123,5 versus 177,6 ± 275,5)], shoulder abduction [(50,1 ± 19,6 versus 56,9 ± 20,4) versus (50,5 ± 19,0 versus 56,9 ± 19,3)], knee flexion [(101,9 ± 34,0 versus 116,8 ± 43,3) versus (98,6 ± 21,5 versus 115,1 ± 30,8)], and walking test [(433,0 ± 84,8 versus 468,9 ± 90,8) versus (397,4 ± 99,8 versus 426,3 ± 101,6)] after training for ET and conventional training, respectively. In conclusion, ET improves autonomic modulation in COPD with additional benefits for strength and cardiorespiratory capacity similar to conventional training.