The effects of an eight week training program on resting heart rate recovery after an AECOPD

<bold>Introduction:</bold> A lower resting heart rate(RHR) is associated with a reduced risk of mortality in patients with COPD(Jensen et al., ERJ, 2013). RHR after a training program is expected to decline, the (acute)effect of training in patients after an acute exacerbation of COPD(AECOPD) is unknown. <bold>Aim:</bold> To investigate RHR of patients recovering after an AECOPD, with or without exercise training. <bold>Methods:</bold> Participants were included in a RCT when experiencing a moderate or severe AECOPD. All patients received physical activity telecoaching with a Fitbit Charge 4 or 5. The intervention group followed an 8-12 week training program. RHR was analysed using a linear mixed model, investigating the effects of time, training program, and their interaction. RHR differences after a Training(TR) session were compared to the following non-TR day. <bold>Results:</bold> 38 patients (FEV1 46±17%pred, 68%male, 58%severe AECOPD, 45%taking stable dose of β-blockers) were included, 50%followed the training program. For all patients, RHR declined during follow up(p=0.005), with no difference between intervention and control group over time(p=0.08). In the intervention group, RHR was not different on the days after TR compared to non-TR days(p=0.88)(Figure 1). The day after TR, RHR was not different(−0,06 ±1,3bpm (p=0.5). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> RHR declines after an AECOPD, likely a sign of natural recovery. A training program did not influence the RHR acutely, nor over time. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA599/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>