The effectiveness of short-term high-intensity exercise on ventilatory function, in adults with a high risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

[Purpose] This study sets out to investigate whether a short-term high-intensity arm ergometer exercise plan can be of benefit to adults whose poor ventilatory function places them at risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. [Subjects and Methods] A pre-experimental design with a convenience sample was employed. The study enrolled 30 adult smokers, aged between 18–25 years old, all of whom were at a high risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The participants did a daily 20-minute high-intensity arm ergometer exercise, at 75% target heart rate, at the same time over a period of three days. The forced vital capacity test manoeuvre was carried out before the sessions, and once all three had been done. [Results] The study demonstrated a sizeable increase in the mean values of forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in one second. The mean values of expiratory volume in one second/forced vital capacity as well as peak expiratory flow rate were not significant statistically. [Conclusion] Although further studies, using larger sampling groups, need to be carried out, this research demonstrates that adults at high risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease improve lung function by following short-term high-intensity arm ergometer exercise.