Effects on Muscle Strength After Blood Flow Restriction Resistance Exercise (BFR-RE) in Early In-patient Rehabilitation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Acute Exacerbation (COPDAE), a Single Blinded, Randomized Controlled Study

Detailed Summary

This is a randomised controlled trial of the blood flow restriction resistance exercise (BFR-RE) for early rehabilitation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease acute exacerbation (COPDAE) in the Haven of Hope Hospital. BFR-RE was invented by Dr. Yoshiaki Sato in Japan 40 years ago. This exercise was newly introduced to the Physiotherapy Department of Haven of Hope Hospital in March, 2020 and not a routine common training in Hospital Authority. However, currently the "BFR-device" is in its 3rd generation. Under the guidance of a certified physiotherapist, a "low load intensity" can be used for resistance training to build up muscle mass and strength by applying the device over the thigh to partially limit the blood flow to the distal limb. BFR-RE is well studied in athletes, elderlies and patients for rehabilitation after orthopaedics surgeries. A large amount of literature reveals BFR-RE with "low load intensity" shows comparable increase of muscle mass as "high load intensity" resistance training and more increase of muscle strength than those only undergoing "low load intensity" resistance training. The objective of this study is to investigate the additional effects of 2-week BFR-RE in patients with COPDAE on top of the conventional in-patient rehabilitation training. The primary outcome is effect on localized muscle strength. The secondary outcomes include mobility function, systemic muscle strength as reflected by handgrip strength(HGS), health related quality of life, unplanned readmission to acute hospital rate within 1 month for COPDAE.

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