Aerobic Interval Training: an Alternative for Targeting Inflammation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease? - Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a persistent inflammatory lung condition characterized by damage to the lung parenchyma and airway inflammation. Systemic inflammation is also a hallmark of COPD, and elevated levels of inflammatory markers like IL-8 and TNF-a are associated with disease severity and exacerbations. As the current pharmacological treatments of COPD focus on symptom management rather than inflammation, it is crucial to explore the attenuation of inflammation offered by non-pharmacological interventions. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) a holistic approach including education, exercise, and support is the main non-pharmacological treatment for COPD at the moment. However, its impact on inflammation remains unclear. Research indicates that PR programs including both continuous and interval training improve functional outcomes in COPD, yet their effects on inflammatory markers like IL-8 and TNF-a are largely unexplored. To address this gap, we aim to gauge the effects of high-intensity interval training and moderate-intensity continuous training on IL-8 and TNF-a levels in COPD patients. Participants will undergo PR programs with different exercise regimens, while a control group will also be monitored. Our aim is to determine which exercise modality better reduces inflammation in COPD patients, potentially offering insights into more effective treatment approaches.