Physiologic Response to Upright and Forward Leaning Leg Cycle Ergometry in Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Preliminary Study

Abstract

Cycle ergometry is commonly used in pulmonary rehabilitation programs for cardiorespiratory fitness training. Patient position during cycling exercise is generally not standardized, but could affect exercise response. The purpose of this study was to assess physiologic responses in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during upright and forward leaning cycling exercise. Seven females and three males diagnosed with COPD volunteered to participate in this study. Patients performed a submaximal cycling exercise protocol. The patients were positioned with the trunk upright or inclined 45° forward during the submaximal cycling exercise protocol. The patient returned to the laboratory within 2-4 days and repeated the same submaximal exercise protocol as the first testing day, but seated in the other position. The order of cycling position was determined randomly with a card draw for the first subject and alternated thereafter. Physiologic parameters measured included heart rate (HR), minute ventilation (VE), tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), oxygen consumption (VO2), and the ventilatory equivalent for oxygen (VE/VO2). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was also recorded during each minute of the submaximal exercise protocol. Data collected during the last minute of the steady state exercise was averaged and analyzed for between trial differences using a paired t-test. The RPE scores during the final minute of steady state exercise were analyzed using a Wilcoxon Signed RankTest. No significant differences were found between upright and forward inclined submaximal cycling for any of the parameters analyzed.