Extract
Intensity of training is an important parameter in obtaining training effects [1, 2]. In most studies on training in COPD patients, the target training intensity has been based on a percentage of the obtained maximal workload during an incremental exercise test [2]. However, some authors reported that patients were unable to obtain the indicated intensity of 70% of the maximal workload [3], while others trained patients with a similar degree of airflow obstruction without mentioning such complaints [4]. The maximal workload in the last step of the incremental exercise test is often not described in detail in the literature, but most investigators and clinicians will consider a minimum duration of 20 s. However, a more important confounding factor in using maximal workload as indicator of maximal exercise capacity is its dependence on the size of the increments during an incremental exercise test [5].
- ©ERS 2007
Breathe articles are open access and distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial Licence 4.0.
