A High-Intensity versus Moderate-Intensity Exercise Training Programme in Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency-Related COPD (IMAC): A Randomized, Controlled Trial

INTRODUCTION: Training-induced adaptations of the oxidative capacity have been shown to be blunted in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD)-related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). To improve training outcomes in AATD, this study was aimed to compare the effects of two exercise training programmes with different training intensities. METHODS: Thirty patients with AATD (genotype PiZZ) and COPD III-IV were randomly assigned to either high-intensity (HIT) or moderate-intensity training (MIT), each consisting of endurance, strength, and squat training for a duration of 3 weeks. 6-Min walk distance (6MWD) was used as the primary outcome. RESULTS: Twenty-five subjects augmented with alpha-1 antitrypsin (HIT: n = 12, FEV1 41.3 ± 17.4%pred., MIT: n = 13, FEV1 45.9 ± 15.5%pred.) completed the study. In HIT and MIT, 6MWD (+37 ± 43 m vs. +32 ± 28 m, p = 0.741), 1-min sit-to-stand test (5.6 ± 4.9 repetitions vs. 5.6 ± 4.5 repetitions, p = 0.766), exercise-induced BORG dyspnoea (-1.4 ± 1.7 pts vs. -1.5 ± 2.4 pts, p = 0.952), and all CRQ domains have improved after training without between-group differences. When considering only subgroups of (probably) anxious or depressive patients (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS]

• Jarosch, I.
• Schneeberger, T.
• Gloeckl, R.
• Kroll, D.
• Dennis, C.
• Hitzl, W.
• Kenn, K.
• Koczulla, A. R.