Subjective experience of eccentric and one-legged cycling in COPD

Background: Eccentric (ECC) and one-legged cycling are potential training modalities for people with COPD but there is limited data on the experience of these exercise modalities in this population. Aim: To explore subjective experience and preference of people with COPD performing ECC and one-legged cycling. Method: Following baseline assessment, ECC, one-legged cycling, concentric cycling (CON) and resistance exercise (RE) were performed at individualised intensities in a randomised crossover design. The multidimensional dyspnoea profile and subjective exercise experience scale were completed after each exercise and preferred modality was recorded. Results: For 25 people with COPD (75% male, age 69±9, FEV1 51±22% predicted), breathing discomfort was highest during CON and lowest during ECC and RE (Figure 1b). Description of breathlessness was not different between modalities (p=0.93). Positive wellbeing was lowest during CON and highest during ECC (Figure 1a). Psychological distress and fatigue were highest during CON and lowest during ECC and RE. CON, ECC, RE and one-legged cycling were preferred by 54%, 29%, 13% and 4% respectively. Individuals with a greater degree of dynamic hyperinflation (DH) demonstrated a preference for ECC (p<0.001). Conclusion: Experience of ECC in people with COPD is more positive than CON, whilst experience of one-legged cycling and CON are similar. Individuals with significant DH are more likely to prefer ECC.