Brain and Peripheral Muscle Oxygenation in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Summary

This interventional study aims to investigate the acute effects of different types of exercise on cerebral and peripheral muscle oxygenation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) will be used simultaneously to measure oxygenation changes in the prefrontal cortex and the vastus lateralis muscle during rest, Stroop task performance, the six-minute walk test, aerobic, strengthening, and breathing exercises. The study will compare COPD patients and age- and sex-matched healthy controls to determine how brain and muscle oxygenation responses differ between groups and among exercise modalities. The findings are expected to guide the design of safe, individualized pulmonary rehabilitation programs that optimize oxygenation without compromising safety.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

* Age 40-70 years
* Diagnosis of moderate-to-severe COPD (GOLD stage II-III)
* Stable disease (no exacerbation in previous 4 weeks)
* BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
* Manual muscle strength ≥ 4 (MRC scale)
* Ability to perform exercise tests safely
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria

* Severe comorbid conditions (uncontrolled cardiac, neurological, or orthopedic disease)
* Need for high-flow oxygen therapy (\>2 L/min)
* History of cerebrovascular disease or transient ischemic attack
* Musculoskeletal or dermatological conditions impairing NIRS measurement sites
* Restrictive lung disease, interstitial lung disease, or small-airway disease
* Participation in an exercise program within the last 12 months

Healthy Controls

* Age 40-70 years
* No acute or chronic disease
* Non-smoker
* BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m²
* No musculoskeletal limitations

Conditions1

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