Acute Effects of Supramaximal High-Intensity Interval Training in People With COPD

High-intensity exercise is essential for optimal development of cardiorespiratory fitness and health. This is, however, challenging for most people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to ventilatory limitations, leading to exercise at lower intensities accompanied by suboptimal stress on the cardiovascular and muscular system. The aims of this cross-over trial is: 1. To compare the acute effects of short-duration supramaximal high-intensity interval training (HIIT) vs. traditional moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) in people with COPD and matched healthy controls (HC). 2. To investigate the feasibility of supramaximal HIIT in people with COPD and matched HC. 3. To compare the cardiorespiratory demand, exercise intensity and symptoms during a modified Borg Cycle Strength Test (BCST) and a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) in people with COPD and HC.