Effects Of Low-Load Blood Flow Restriction Training Of The Upper Extremity In Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Summary

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation, progressive dyspnea, and peripheral muscle dysfunction, significantly impairing functional capacity and quality of life. Although the combined implementation of aerobic and resistance exercises is recommended in pulmonary rehabilitation programs, early-onset ventilatory limitation in individuals with COPD often hinders tolerance to high exercise intensities. This limitation increases the need for alternative exercise approaches targeting peripheral muscle adaptations. Low-load blood flow restriction training (LL-BFRT), which enables improvements in muscle strength with low mechanical loads, has emerged as a potential option for this patient population. However, evidence regarding the effects of LL-BFRT in individuals with COPD-particularly on upper extremity muscles-remains limited. The aim of this study is to comparatively investigate the effects of LL-BFRT and sham-BFRT, both administered in addition to an aerobic exercise program in individuals diagnosed with stage II and III COPD, on upper extremity muscle strength, upper extremity functional capacity, activities of daily living performance, quality of life, functional exercise capacity, muscle oxygenation, and respiratory parameters. The study is designed as a randomized controlled, single-blind, quasi-experimental interventional trial. The expected outcomes are that LL-BFRT may enhance upper extremity muscle strength and functional capacity, improve activities of daily living and quality of life, and increase exercise tolerance due to its applicability at low mechanical loads. Furthermore, findings related to muscle oxygenation and respiratory parameters are anticipated to provide clinical evidence regarding the physiological effects of LL-BFRT on peripheral muscle adaptations. These results are expected to guide the integration of LL-BFRT as an alternative and safe approach in upper extremity exercise prescription within pulmonary rehabilitation programs, support clinical decision-making processes, and establish a scientific foundation for future research.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged 40-80 years with stage 2 and 3 COPD diagnosed according to GOLD criteria

  * Clinically stable COPD (no exacerbation in the last 6 weeks)
  * Stable medical treatment for at least 4 weeks
  * No orthopedic or neurological problems that would prevent them from performing upper extremity exercises
  * Resting SpO2 ≥ 88%
  * Able to understand and follow verbal instructions in Turkish
  * Individuals with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCa) score ≥ 24 will be included.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Uncontrolled hypertension

  * Severe arrhythmia
  * Recent MI
  * Deep vein thrombosis
  * Peripheral vascular disease
  * Presence of infection or open wound
  * Having undergone upper extremity surgery within the last 6 months
  * Cognitive impairment or cooperation problems will be among the exclusion criteria

Conditions3

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