Inspiratory Muscle Training and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

"IMT will be performed using the POWERbreathe® Medic Plus inspiratory training device for five sets of 10 repetitions each, with a one-minute interval between each set. The initial load set will be 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), during the first two weeks to allow for an adjustment period. The IMT wil be performed two times per week for 8 weeks.~NMES will be applied using an calibrated electrical stimulator (Neurodyn High Volt, IBRAMED, São Paulo/São Paulo, Brazil). The following parameters will be used: 50 Hz frequency, pulse duration of 400 µs, work cycle of 5 seconds ON and 15 seconds OFF (first month) adjusted for 10 seconds ON and 30 seconds OFF (second month) and maximum intensity tolerated during 2 times per week for 8 weeks.~Pulmonary Rehabilitation The pulmonary rehabilitation will consist of aerobic and resistance exercise during 8 weeks."

"IMT will be performed using the POWERbreathe® Medic Plus (POWERbreathe Medic Plus ®, SP, BR) inspiratory training device for five sets of 10 repetitions each, with a one-minute interval between each set. The initial load set will be 30% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP), during the first two weeks to allow for an adjustment period. After that, load increases occurred as follows: 35% of MIP in week 3, 40% of MIP in week 4, 45% of MIP in week 5, 50% of MIP at week 6, 55% of MIP in week 7, and 60% of MIP in weeks 8.~Pulmonary Rehabilitation The pulmonary rehabilitation will consist of aerobic and resistance exercise during 8 weeks."

"NMES will be applied using an calibrated electrical stimulator (Neurodyn High Volt, IBRAMED, São Paulo/São Paulo, Brazil). The following parameters will be used: 50 Hz frequency, pulse duration of 400 µs, work cycle of 5 seconds ON and 15 seconds OFF (first month) adjusted for 10 seconds ON and 30 seconds OFF (second month) and maximum intensity tolerated during 2 times per week for 8 weeks.~Pulmonary Rehabilitation The pulmonary rehabilitation will consist of aerobic and resistance exercise during 8 weeks."

Pulmonary Rehabilitation The pulmonary rehabilitation will consist of aerobic and resistance exercise during 8 weeks.