Change of VO₂ Max and Muscle Mass After One-Month and Two-Month Upper and Lower Body Exercises in Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background Skeletal muscle dysfunction inevitably occurs due to systemic inflammation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which manifests as muscle atrophy and dysfunction. It also exhibits decreases in muscle strength and endurance, leading to a deconditioned state and a reduction in maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2 max) in tissues. Exercise training can increase VO 2 max value. The main purpose of this study is to evaluate the benefits and compare the effectiveness of upper and lower body exercises given for one to two months in stable COPD patients. Methods This quasi-experimental study was conducted on 25 stable COPD patients from December 2018 to May 2019 at the Physiotherapy Unit of Siti Hajar Hospital, Medan, Indonesia. All participants performed upper-body exercises and stationary bicycles for lower-body exercises twice a week for one month, then continued for two additional months. VO 2 max was calculated using the Nury Formula, specially developed for the Indonesian population, while muscle mass values were assessed using the OMRON Karada Scan scales. VO 2 max and muscle mass were measured before training (baseline) after one-month and two-month training. The statistical analysis used is the Repeated ANOVA test. Results The baseline of mean muscle mass in COPD patients was 28.8 ± 2.43%. Muscle mass increased to 29.1 ± 2.34% in one month and 29.5 ± 3.01% after two months (p < 0.05). The mean value of VO 2 max before doing upper and low body exercises was 21.0 ± 3.08%. VO 2 was significantly increased after two-month training to 23.0 ± 3.6% (p < 0.001), but not after one-month training (VO 2 max: 21.32 ± 3.22%; (p < 0.001). Conclusion Two-month upper and lower body training provides a greater impact in improving VO 2 max and muscle mass in stable COPD patients.