Effects of Circuit Training Program on Endurance and Pulmonary Functions in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Background: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation and reduced exercise capacity. While aerobic training is standard in pulmonary rehabilitation, limited evidence exists regarding the comparative efficacy of circuit training on pulmonary function and endurance in COPD patients. Objective: To evaluate the effects of a circuit training program on endurance and pulmonary functions—including FEV1, FVC, PEFR, and exercise tolerance—among patients with COPD. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Gulab Devi Chest Hospital, Lahore, involving 30 clinically stable COPD patients (n = 30), aged 40–60 years, recruited through simple random sampling. Participants were randomly assigned to a circuit training group (Group A) or an aerobic training group (Group B), with interventions carried out thrice weekly for eight weeks. Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs), Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were used to assess outcomes. Data were analyzed using SPSS v27 with paired and independent t-tests (p < 0.05), following ethical approval from Riphah International University and in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Results: Group A showed statistically and clinically significant improvements in FEV1 (2.21 ± 0.037 vs. 1.99 ± 0.032 L, p = 0.000), FVC (2.40 ± 0.33 vs. 2.03 ± 0.032 L, p = 0.001), FEV1/FVC ratio (p = 0.000), RPE (p = 0.004), and 6MWT distance (p = 0.020) compared to Group B. Conclusion: Circuit training significantly improves pulmonary function and exercise endurance in COPD patients and offers a superior alternative to aerobic training alone. It presents a promising addition to standard pulmonary rehabilitation for enhancing clinical outcomes and functional independence.