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NCT Number: NCT07109687

HIIT Versus MICT in COPD: Effects on Oxygenation, Pulmonary Function, and Strength

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive condition marked by airflow limitation and chronic inflammation, leading to reduced exercise capacity, peripheral muscle dysfunction, and dyspnea. High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) may offer a promising alternative for patients with low exercise tolerance; however, evidence on its effectiveness remains limited.

This study aims to compare the effects of HIIT and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training (MICT) on muscle oxygenation, pulmonary function, exercise capacity, and peripheral muscle strength in individuals with COPD. Participants will undergo an 8-week exercise program, twice weekly. HIIT will consist of 1-minute intervals at 90% and 30-40% of peak workload, while MICT will involve continuous cycling at 65% of peak workload. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, week 4, and week 8. Data will be analyzed using SPSS. This study seeks to determine the more effective training modality to optimize COPD rehabilitation.

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Chronic Disease Disease Attributes Lung Diseases Lung Diseases, Obstructive Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive Respiratory Tract Diseases

Age range

40 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD),
  • GOLD stage 2, 3, or 4,
  • Willing to participate in the study,
  • Aged between 40 and 80 years,
  • Clinically stable (no significant deterioration in the current medical condition, no recent initiation of a new treatment, and no complications requiring hospitalization).

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of visual, auditory, vestibular, cognitive, or neurological impairments that may affect balance,
  • Any orthopedic, neurological, or cardiac conditions that may interfere with study participation or exercise,
  • Presence of serious chronic diseases such as congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, or chronic renal failure,
  • Conditions that may cause physical limitations (e.g., limb amputation, significant musculoskeletal disorders, or postural abnormalities such as kyphosis or lordosis).

Treatment and study plan

HIIT group

Other

Participants will perform a 31-minute protocol on a cycle ergometer consisting of 1-minute high-intensity intervals at 90% of peak workload (W peak) and low-intensity intervals at 30-40% of W peak, twice a week for 8 weeks.

MICT

Other

Moderate intensity continous exercise

Primary outcomes

  1. Peripheral and Respiratory Muscle Oxygenation

    Time frame: at the baseline, at the 4th week, at the end of the 8th week.

    Muscle oxygenation will be measured using Near-Infrared Spectroscopy from the dominant quadriceps (peripheral) and 7th intercostal space (respiratory) during rest, warm-up, exercise, recovery phases, and 5 minutes post-exercise. Parameters include SmO₂_basal, SmO₂_max, SmO₂_min, SmO₂_maxrec, ∆SmO₂_max, SmO₂_deox, SmO₂_reoxy, and ∆SmO₂_maxrec.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pulmonary Function test

    Time frame: at the baseline, at the 4th week, at the end of the 8th week.

    Pulmonary function will be evaluated using spirometry in accordance with ATS/ERS guidelines. the outcomes presented as liter/minute.

  2. Functional Exercise Capacity

    Time frame: at the baseline, at the 4th week, at the end of the 8th week.

    Functional exercise capacity will be assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) according to ATS guidelines.

  3. Dyspnea

    Time frame: at the baseline, at the 4th week, at the end of the 8th week.

    Dyspnea will be assessed using the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale, a 5-point ordinal scale evaluating activity-induced breathlessness.

  4. Upper extremity Muscle Strength

    Time frame: at the baseline, at the 4th week, at the end of the 8th week.

    Upper extremity will measure by hand dynomometer. The highest grip force will be recorded as kilograms.

  5. Activities of Daily Living

    Time frame: at the baseline, at the 4th week, at the end of the 8th week.

    Activity limitation due to dyspnea will be assessed by the London Chest Activity of Daily Living Scale (LCADL). Total and subscale scores will be analyzed (range: 0-75).

  6. Health-Related Quality of Life

    Time frame: at the baseline, at the 4th week, at the end of the 8th week.

    Quality of life will be evaluated using the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Total and subscale scores (Symptoms, Activity, Impacts) will be recorded (range: 0-100).

  7. Comorbidities

    Time frame: at the baseline, at the 4th week, at the end of the 8th week.

    Comorbidity burden will be assessed using the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI)

  8. lower extremity endurance test

    Time frame: at baseline, at the 4th week and at the end of 8th week.

    30 second chair stand test will use. The number of repetitions will be recorded.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Aynur Demirel, PT, PhD, Assoc. Prof.

CONTACT

[email protected]

+903051576168

Irem Suzen, PT MsC

CONTACT

[email protected]

+905393260706

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Aynur Demirel

Other

Collaborators

  • Antalya Bilim University
  • Hacettepe University

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of the Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training and Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Peripheral and Respiratory Muscle Oxygenation, Pulmonary Function, Exercise Capacity, and Peripheral Muscle Strength in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Aug 7, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 7, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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