Aerobic Training in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although the decrease in pulmonary function is the main functional limitation, the association of systemic effects contributes significantly to the symptoms and limitations that characterize this disease Objective: to verify the effectiveness of the Shuttle Walk Test as a method of aerobic conditioning in individuals with COPD and the correlation with walking distance, respiratory muscle strength and peripheral muscle strength. Methodology: Six individuals aged 34 to 64 years with a diagnosis of COPD were part of the case series. The subjects underwent aerobic training twice a week for eight weeks. The variables investigated were: walking distance, maximal respiratory pressures and quadriceps muscle strength. Conclusion: The Shuttle Walk Test training proved to be effective as a method of aerobic conditioning for this group of patients, significantly increasing the walking distance.