Functional Strength Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Severe Acute Exacerbations of COPD

Launched by HASSELT UNIVERSITY · Jul 27, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of adding functional strength training and neuromuscular electrical stimulation to the usual care for patients hospitalized due to a severe worsening of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a lung condition that can lead to episodes where symptoms get worse, often requiring hospital treatment. During these episodes, patients can become weak and less active, which can lead to more health problems. The goal of this trial is to see if these additional exercises can help improve patients' strength, reduce feelings of breathlessness and fatigue, and lower the chances of needing to return to the hospital after discharge.

To participate in this trial, individuals must be between the ages of 65 and 74 and currently hospitalized for a severe COPD episode. They should be able to understand the study and speak Dutch. However, those who need intensive care, have serious heart problems, or other significant health issues may not be eligible. Participants can expect to receive a combination of standard care and the new training methods during their hospital stay, with the hope of feeling stronger and more capable when they leave.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • hospitalised due to an AECOPD according to the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria
• • included within 48h of hospital admission
• • able to provide informed consent
• • dutch speaker
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • need for mechanical ventilation or admission in the intensive care unit
• • unstable cardiovascular disease
• • hospitalization in the previous month
• • significant musculoskeletal or neuromuscular impairment that precludes the performance of the tests or participation in the study
• • signs of cognitive impairment
• • current neoplastic or immunological disease
• • implantable electronic devices (e.g., pacemaker, implantable cardioverter defibrillator \[ICD\], cardiac resynchronization therapy \[CRT\] device)
• • sensitivity alterations