Cycle Ergometer and Voluntary Hyperventilation Exercises in Patients With Chronic Airflow Obstruction. Design of a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

<p>A strategy to investigate the effect of two exercise modes upon patients with chronic airflow obstruction (CAD) is developed. The difficulties in defining and diagnosing the various pathological entities covered by the umbrella term CAO are discussed. Following a review of the published studies of endurance exercise in the before mentioned patient population a clinical problem is identified. Cycle ergometer exercise and voluntary hyperventilation were the two modalities chosen to be investigated. A 2² factorial design is selected in order that both modalities may be efficiently studied, singly and in combination, with the inclusion of a placebo exercise group.</p> <p>A statistical method is depcribed for measuring agreement between two technicians conducting a test identifying the diagnostic inclusion criteria. An additional criterion for entry into the study will be inclusion of only those patients who are particularly likely to maintain the randomly assigned maneuver. This will be determined by the response to carried out a pre-experimental sequence of three weekly test events carried out current to a CAO stabilization period. The intensity of the exercise will be established using a standardized progressive exercise test and a maximum sustainea ventilatory capacity procedure. The choice of the three dutcomes was based upon a more total definition of rehabilitation. The three primary outcomes are endurance as measured by both a twelve minute walking test and a progressive multistage treadmill test. The patients' perception of their social, emotional and physical function in response to the exercise regimen is additionally measured using a health index questionnaire.</p>