Resting Heart Rate in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

In many studies, it has been reported that baroreceptor activity and heart rate variability decrease and resting heart rate (RHR) increases in COPD patients due to changes in cardiac autonomic function. Among the recommendations regarding pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and exercise training in COPD patients, approaches such as including practices targeting RHR and developing implementation strategies that improve the cardiovascular system are recommended. The primary aim of our study is to examine the effect of comprehensive exercise training consisting of breathing, aerobic and strengthening exercises on RHR in COPD patients, and secondarily to determine the factors that affect RHR change after PR in COPD patients.

110 COPD patients who were participated in the PR program were included in our retrospective study. Resting Heart Rate , pulmonary functions, functional capacity, perception of dyspnea, quality of life and psychological symptoms compared before and after PR.

• Pulmonary Rehabilitation (Other): Exercise training consisted of supervised breathing, aerobic, strengthening and stretching exercises for 8 weeks, 2 days a week. Breathing exercises included pursed lip, diaphragmatic, thoracic expansion and basal expansion exercises. Strength training included the lower and upper extremities, and it was performed 8-10 repetitions, either against gravity or using free weight, according to patient tolerance.

Primary outcomes

• Resting Heart Rate [1 minute]: number of beats per minute

Secondary outcomes

• Functional Capacity [Change from baseline six minute walk distance at 8 week]: Six Minute- walk test
• Dyspnea Assessment [Change from baseline dyspnea at 8 week]: Medical Research Council Scale(MRC); the MRC dyspnea scale is a questionnaire that consists of five statements about perceived breathlessness. (min 1- max 5 point) Higher scores mean a worse outcome.
• Quality of Life Assessment [Change from baseline dyspnea at 8 week]: St. George Respiratory Questionnaire; Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating more limitations.
• Anxiety and Depression [Change from baseline dyspnea at 8 week]: Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD); The HADS questionnaire has seven items each for depression and anxiety subscales. Scoring for each item ranges from zero to three, with three denoting highest anxiety or depression level. A total subscale score of >8 points out of a possible 21 denotes considerable symptoms of anxiety or depression.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to any

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients diagnosed with COPD according to GOLD and completed the 2-day / 8-week PR program

Exclusion Criteria:

* With cardiovascular disease
* With additional diseases such as diabetes
* Receiving medical treatment that affects the autonomic nervous system
* Patients receiving long-term oxygen therapy