Role of Circuit Training Program with Aerobic Exercises in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/jhrr.v5i3.1763Keywords:
COPD, circuit training, aerobic exercise, pulmonary function, endurance capacity, pulmonary rehabilitationAbstract
Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by irreversible airflow limitation, skeletal muscle dysfunction, and reduced exercise tolerance. Although pulmonary rehabilitation is widely recognized as a cornerstone of COPD management, the comparative effectiveness of circuit training versus conventional aerobic exercise in improving pulmonary function and endurance remains insufficiently established. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-week circuit-training program in improving pulmonary function and exercise tolerance among patients with COPD. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted at Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore, including 30 clinically stable COPD patients. Participants were randomly allocated to either Group A (circuit training combined with aerobic exercise) or Group B (aerobic training alone). Both groups received supervised training sessions three times per week for eight weeks. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included validated pulmonary function tests and endurance measures. Results: Both groups demonstrated improvements in pulmonary function and endurance capacity following the eight-week intervention. However, patients in the circuit-training group showed comparatively greater gains in forced expiratory volume, exercise tolerance, and overall functional performance than those receiving aerobic training alone. Conclusion: Eight weeks of structured circuit training appears to be more effective than conventional aerobic exercise alone in enhancing pulmonary function and exercise tolerance in COPD patients. Circuit training may therefore be recommended as a superior rehabilitation strategy for improving functional outcomes in this population.
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