Effects of interval versus continuous exercise training in individuals with COPD

What is it about?

Recently, interval exercise training has gained attention as it has been linked to a greater physiological training effect. This systematic review compares the effects of interval exercise training versus continuous exercise training on measures of exercise capacity such as the peak oxygen uptake, peak power, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) distance, as well as the overall health-related quality of life in people living with COPD.

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Why is it important?

Based on the evidence from 8 trials included in this systematic review, the findings showed that the effects on the measure of exercise capacity and health-related quality of life did not differ when comparing interval and continuous exercise training in individuals with COPD. Thus, interval training can be implemented as a training option or as a complement to continuous exercise training in patients with varying degrees of COPD severity.