Effect of combined high-intensity interval training and inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in COPD patients

Authors

  • Fahad H. Alahmadi Respiratory Therapy Department, College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia.
  • Ahmed S. Ahmed Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular, Respiratory Disorders, and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt / Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
  • Saud M. Alrawaili Department of Physical Therapy and Health Rehabilitation, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia.
  • Samah M. Ismail Respiratory Therapy Department, College of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, Taibah University, Madinah, Saudi Arabia / Department of Physical Therapy for Cardiovascular, Respiratory Disorders, and Geriatrics, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.679611
Keywords: COPD, HIIT, IMT, Exercise, Pulmonary Function

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of combined high intensity interval training (HIIT) and inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in patients COPD. This randomized, controlled trial study involved 100 COPD patients (GOLD stages II and III) aged between 40 and 70 years. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of two groups. The study group (n=50) underwent 8 weeks combined HIIT and IMT. The HIIT protocol involved four intervals, each lasting 4 minutes, beginning at 70% of maximum power and building to a target intensity of at least 85% HRmax. The IMT sessions included 2-3 sets of 30 breaths (totaling 60-90 breaths per session), with a two-minute rest between sets, three days per week starting with 30% of PImax and reaching 60% of PImax. The control group (n=50) performed an 8-week program of therapeutic education and 30-min self-based cycling or walking. Pulmonary function tests, incremental cycle ergometer tests, 6 min walk tests and inspiratory muscle strength were performed, and dyspnea and Halth-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) were assessed before and after the intervention period. Results indicated that combined HIIT and IMT significantly improved exercise capacity, respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea, and quality of life in patients with COPD (p<0.05). There were no significant changes in pulmonary functions (p>0.05). This study suggests that integrating HIIT with IMT can effectively enhance the overall prognosis of patients with COPD.

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Published
12-09-2025
How to Cite
Alahmadi, F. H., Ahmed, A. S., Alrawaili, S. M., & Ismail, S. M. (2025). Effect of combined high-intensity interval training and inspiratory muscle training on pulmonary function and exercise capacity in COPD patients. SPORT TK-EuroAmerican Journal of Sport Sciences, 14, 80. https://doi.org/10.6018/sportk.679611
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Vol. 14 (2025)
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The works and papers that are published in this Journal are subject to the following terms:

1. The Publication Service of the University of Murcia (the publisher) has the Publication Rights (Copyright) to the published papers and works, and favors and permits the reusing of the same under the license indicated in point 2.

© Servicio de Publicaciones, Universidad de Murcia, 2013

2. The papers and works are to be published in the digital edition of the Journal under the license Creative Commons Reconocimiento-No Comercial-Sin Obra Derivada 3.0 España (legal text). The copying, using, spreading, transmitting and publicly displaying of the papers, works or publication are permitted as long as: i) the authors and original sources (Journal, publisher and URL of the publication) are quoted; ii) it is not used for commercial benefit; iii) the existence and specifications of this users license are mentioned.

3. Conditions of Self-Archiving. It is permitted and encouraged that the authors spread electronically the pre-print (before printing) and/or post-print (the revised, evaluated and accepted) versions of their papers or works before their publication since this favors their circulation and early diffusion and therefore can help increase their citation and quotation, and also there reach through the academic community.