Quality of resistance training description in COPD trials: Study protocol for a systematic review

Abstract

Background: Skeletal muscle dysfunction is a common manifestation in patients with COPD. Resistance training (RT) is the most effective exercise strategy to improve muscle function (e.g. strength, endurance) in patients with COPD. A RT intervention for an individual patient with COPD needs to be personalized by varying mandatory RT principles and acute training program variables, as per the guideline of The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). The aim of this review is to investigate if the application of the mandatory RT principles and acute program variables is described sufficiently in current evidence on effects of RT interventions in COPD. Methods: A search of electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, PEDro) will be performed. English trials with RT intervention in COPD patients published from 1990 to October 2015 will be selected after screening by title and abstract. To evaluate applied RT mandatory principles (progressive overload, specificity, variation) and acute training variables (e.g. intensity, volume) a data collection sheet is developed according to the ACSM 2009 RT Position Stand. Selection and data extraction will be done by two reviewers independently. Discrepancies will be discussed and resolved by a third reviewer. Discussion: The significance of reported RT effects should be evaluated in relation to the application of the mandatory RT principles and program variables. The results of this project will provide important information to guide future RT interventions and clinical work in patients with COPD.