Identification of Explanatory Factors for the Lack of Muscle Strength Gain Following a Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program in COPD Patients

"Visits V1 (Day 1) and V2 (Day 28) are identical. The dominant leg will be tested, the patient positioned on the ergometer and EMG electrodes placed on the quadriceps.~The familiarization for femoral magnetic stimulation (FMS) will begin, the stimulation site identified and the supramaximality verified.~After a warm up, the subject will perform 3 maximal voluntary isometric contractions (MVIC; 5s, rest = 30s), 3 MVIC reaching maximal force as quickly as possible, and 4 MVIC during which magnetic stimulation (intensity = 100%) will be applied during the contraction and 2 seconds after the contraction ends.~For transcranial magnetic stimulation, the stimulation area and intensity will be determined. After that, the patient will perform 3 CMIV at 100%, 75%, 50% and 35% of CMIV. During each contraction, magnetic stimulation will be delivered during the force plateau."