Physical Capacity of Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease With and Without Supplementation of Whey

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is characterized by obstruction to pulmonary airflow and dyspnea. These characteristics are a consequence of exposure to harmful gases and particles that lead to oxidative stress in the lungs together with an exaggerated inflammatory response. In addition to respiratory impairment, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease has systemic manifestations, nutritional alterations, and exercise limitation. Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective interventions in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, with one goal being to improve patient capacity. Whey protein supplementation, concomitant with physical activity for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, aims to stimulate protein synthesis and decrease muscle catabolism that may be caused by exercise. The investigators aimed to evaluate the effects of whey protein supplementation supplementation on the physical capacity, body composition and tissue functionality of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a pulmonary rehabilitation program.