Exercise intensity during a minimal equipment circuit session in adults with chronic respiratory disease

ObjectivePulmonary rehabilitation is recommended for people with chronic respiratory disease, yet attendance barriers persist. There is increasing interest in models that may overcome some of these barriers, including minimal equipment exercise training. The capacity of a purely minimal equipment circuit to elicit an acute physiological response sufficient to confer health benefits has not been evaluated. This study assessed whether a minimal equipment circuit session enabled participants to achieve a training intensity of ≥60% $\dot{V}$O₂peak.MethodsPeople with chronic respiratory disease referred to pulmonary rehabilitation completed a cardiopulmonary exercise test to determine peak oxygen consumption ($\dot{V}$O₂peak), followed by a 60-minute minimal equipment exercise circuit training session. The session included 3 circuits each comprising 7 exercise stations including upper- and lower-limb training. Physiological signs and symptoms were monitored throughout. The primary outcome was the percentage of session spent at or above the desired training intensity (≥60% $\dot{V}$O₂peak).ResultsEighteen participants completed the study (mean (SD) age 67 (11) years). Participants spent a mean 72% (21) of the session at ≥60% $\dot{V}$O₂peak, with a median [IQR] of 40[32-47] minutes above this threshold. Fifteen participants (83%) achieved the target intensity for ≥30 minutes. Participants reported positive immediate ratings of confidence, comfort, and enjoyment (5-point Likert scale median 5, IQR 4-5) at the conclusion of the minimal equipment session.ConclusionA minimal equipment exercise training session can provide an exercise intensity of ≥60% $\dot{V}$O₂peak for >70% of the exercise session in people with chronic respiratory disease. This approach requires further investigation as to whether it may support pulmonary rehabilitation delivery in diverse settings.