Application of The Bi-Level Stairs Climbing as Alternative of Respiratory Rehabilitation Training in Dyspneic Smokers

Background: Physiological studies using standardized bi-level endurance stairs climbing in respiratory rehabilitation are rare. The authors have developed and proved that the “Bi-level Stairs climbing” (BiSC [13]) compared to VO2 max could be an optimal rehabilitation training program. Goal of this work: Help define which submaximal level of BiSC is the closest in terms of physical effort to the 30 minutes training sessions. Methods: BiSC has indeed numerous advantages: it can be practiced almost anywhere, well accepted and tolerated by healthy trained or not and smokers. Furthermore, stairs with one flight only could be used effectively if the procedure is adequately followed. This paper describes a precise protocol to answer this question. For this purpose, a target sample size of 25 unmedicated, voluntaries active male smokers from 18 to 66 years and normal body mass index (BMI) was pre-determined to achieve 80% power. Results: The number of cycles indicates repeating the sub-maximal series climbing and down as the represented number, for instance the series BiSC-5 indicates climbing and down five consecutive floors, and so on for the progressive floor until the maximal BiSC-10. The protocol and the timings of either the exercise or the measures are fully detailed in the design and method section. The results and conclusion of this work concern the determination of a « best, safe, and optimal » training program, using stair climbing technique, for a group of ordinary smokers. All subjects could perform the BiSC-5 training for 30 minutes. Conclusion: After comparing different cycles of stair climbing, the authors agree and propose the BiSC-5 (with 5 flights) program as the most useful , economic, effective and aerobic training exercise, at least for the smokers with normal spirometry. The five parameters of the tailored BiSC-5 correspond well with those of VAT on cycle ergometry making the BISC-5 a good alternative for effective exercise training both in the hospital and at home.