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

Static postural balance

Static postural balance (%) will assessed through Foam-Laser dynamic posturography.

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Static and dynamic postural balance

Static and dynamic postural balance will assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (score points). Scores range from 0 to 56, with higher scores indicating better balance.

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Static and dynamic postural balance

Static and dynamic postural balance will assessed using the Balance Evaluation Systems Test (score points). The total score of the test (108 points) will be calculated with a percentage score (0-100%) and higher scores indicate better balance performance.

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Dynamic postural balance

Dynamic postural balance will assessed using the Timed Up and Go (seconds). A faster time indicate a better functional performance and a score of ≥12 seconds used as a cut-point.

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Balance confidence questionnaire

Balance confidence questionnaire will measured through the Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale (total score points). The questionnaire contains 16 items scored on a range from 0% to 100% (0 indicating no confidence and 100 indicating full confidence).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Balance confidence questionnaire

Balance confidence questionnaire will measured through Falls Efficacy Scale-International (total score points). The total score ranges from 16 to 64 points. Higher values indicate less fall-related self-efficacy (and more concern about falling).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Peripheral muscle strength

Handgrip strength and quadriceps muscle strength will be assessed by dynamometry, respectively, Kgf and Newtons.

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Respiratory muscle strength and inspiratory muscle endurance

Respiratory muscle strength (cmH2O) and inspiratory muscle endurance (cmH2O) will measured through digital pressure manometry and incremental and constant test, respectively

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Quadriceps femoris and diaphragm thickness

Quadriceps femoris and diaphragm thickness will measured by ultrasonography

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Submaximal level of functional capacity

Submaximal level of functional capacity will measured by 6-minute walk test

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Health-related quality of life at 8 week

Health-related quality of life will measured by Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire. Overall scores range from 0 (no effect on quality of life) to a maximum score of 100 (maximum perceived distress).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Oxidant profile

The oxidant profile will be assessed by Dichlorofluorescein Diacetate - DCF-DA (picomoles / mL).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Oxidant profile

The oxidant profile will be assessed by Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances -TBARS (nmol de MDA/mL).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Oxidant profile

The oxidant profile will be assessed by Advanced Oxidation Protein Products - AOPPs (µmol/L).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Oxidant profile

The oxidant profile will be assessed by Total Oxidant Status - TOS (mmol Trolox Equiv/L).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Antioxidant profile

The antioxidant profile will be assessed by Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power - FRAP- (µmol/L)

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Antioxidant profile

The antioxidant profile will be assessed by Total Antioxidant Capacity- CAT (mmol Trolox Equiv/L).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Muscle damage

Muscle damage will assessed through creatine phosphokinase (total CPK) (U/L).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Muscle damage

Muscle damage will assessed through lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (U/L).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Muscle damage

Muscle damage will assessed through lactate parameter (mg/dL).

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

DNA damage

DNA damage will assessed by means of the Comet and micronucleus assay

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Endothelial function

Endothelial function will assessed through nitrite/nitrate oxide (NOx) (µmol/L)

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)

Peripheral muscle resistance of the lower limbs

Peripheral muscle resistance of the lower limbs will assessed through 30-second Sit-to-Stand tests (repetitions)

Time frame: Post-intervention (change after 8 weeks of training)