Lower-limb resistance training reduces exertional dyspnea and intrinsic neuromuscular fatigability in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Skeletal muscle atrophy, dysfunction, and fatigue are important complications of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Greater reliance on glycolytic metabolism and increased type III/IV muscle afferent activity increase ventilatory drive, promote ventilatory constraint, amplify exertional dyspnea, and limit exercise tolerance. To investigate whether muscular adaptation with resistance training (RT) could improve exertional dyspnea, exercise tolerance, and intrinsic neuromuscular fatigability in individuals with COPD ( = 14, FEV = 62 ± 21% predicted), we performed a proof-of-concept single-arm efficacy study utilizing 4 wk of individualized lower-limb RT (3 times/wk).