High intensity interval training in patients with COPD: A bibliographic review

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)is characterized by chronic limitation of airflow associatedwith a variety of pathological pulmonary changes. Pulmonaryrehabilitation programs seek to improve several aspects ofpatients with COPD. Regarding the use of physical conditioningin approaches to COPD, High Intensity Interval Training(HIIT) is defined by high intensity interval sessions with restsessions. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of HIIT inpatients with COPD. Materials and methods: A narrative reviewof the literature was made through the Virtual HealthLibrary databases (LILACS, MEDLINE) and PEDro, using thedescriptors High Intensity Interval Training, Chronic ObstructivePulmonary Disease and Rehabilitation, in order toobtain a synthesis on the insertion of HIIT in the pulmonaryrehabilitation of patients with COPD. Articles that addressedHIIT in individuals with COPD were included and those thatdid not correspond to the topic were excluded. Conclusion: Inspite of the need for further studies on this topic, HIIT can beused in the pulmonary rehabilitation of patients with COPDwith moderate to severe airflow limitation.Keywords: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Highintensity interval training; Pulmonary rehabilitation.