ENHANCING FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY IN ELDERLY ATHLETES WITH COPD AND SKELETAL MUSCLE DYSFUNCTION: THE ROLE OF MULTI-COMPONENT EXERCISE TRAINING PROGRAMS

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition that severely impairs quality of life. Multi-component exercise training, integrating various training modalities, has shown potential in enhancing physical function and overall well-being in affected individuals. Objective: This study investigates the impact of a multi-component exercise training program on functional rehabilitation and prognosis in elderly athletes with COPD complicated by skeletal muscle dysfunction (SMD). Methods: Between June 2021 and June 2022, 80 elderly athletes with COPD and SMD were treated at our facility and randomly assigned to either a control group (n=40), which received standard rehabilitation, or an observation group (n=40), which underwent a multi-component exercise training program. Measures such as respiratory muscle endurance (maximum inspiratory pressure [MIP] and maximum expiratory pressure [MEP]), the 6-minute walking test (6MWT), pulmonary function indices (percentage of forced expiratory volume in the first second to predicted value [FEV1%pred] and ratio of forced expiratory volume in the first second to forced vital capacity [FEV1/FVC]), maximal contractile strength of the quadriceps (QWVC), hand grip strength (HGS), and life quality were assessed. Complication rates were also monitored. Results: Post-intervention, significant improvements were observed in the observation group, with increased MIP and MEP values, enhanced 6MWT distances, and better pulmonary function (P<0.05). Improvements in QWVC and HGS were also notable in the observation group (P<0.05). Additionally, significant reductions in symptoms like cough, expectoration, and chest tightness were reported, alongside improved confidence, sleep quality, and energy levels (P<0.05). The total incidence of complications was considerably lower in the observation group (7.50%) compared to the control group (37.50%) (P<0.05). Conclusion: The multi-component exercise training program significantly enhances exercise endurance, pulmonary function, and skeletal muscle strength in elderly athletes with COPD and SMD, markedly improving their quality of life and reducing the risk of complications. This training approach holds substantial potential for application in sports settings to assist elderly athletes in managing chronic conditions effectively.