Comparing Effects of Walking on Level, Uphill, and Downhill Slopes on Exercise Ability and Lung Function in Adults with COPD

What this Trial Is About

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD is a common condition with ongoing research due to its persistent nature and large affected population. This study aims to compare the effects of walking training on exercise capacity, lung function, muscle strength, and daily functioning in COPD patients using three different treadmill slopes level, uphill, and downhill. The study seeks to understand how these different walking types may benefit patients by engaging various muscle groups differently. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups level walking, uphill walking, or downhill walking. Each group will complete an 8-week treadmill walking program, training twice a week. The treadmill slope will be fixed for each group at 0 degrees for level walking, 10 degrees for uphill walking, and 10 degrees for downhill walking, with a special apparatus used to provide the downhill slope. Training sessions will include warming up, walking at an individualized speed based on a baseline 6-minute walk test, and cooling down. Participants will be assessed at the start and end of the 8-week program. Measurements will include walking distance during a 6-minute walk test, detailed lung function tests, muscle strength tests for skeletal and respiratory muscles, a 30-second sit and stand test, and a functional performance questionnaire. Researchers will also monitor breathlessness, fatigue, and exertion levels during the study. The total participation time is 8 weeks, with evaluations to track changes in physical and respiratory function.

Investigation of Walking Training With Different Slope Types in COPD Patients