Effect of Electrical Muscle Stimulation on Leg Muscle Strength and Exercise Capacity in People with Stable Chronic Lung Disease

INTERVENTION: NMES Sham NMES CONDITION: ; Respiratory Respiratory PRIMARY OUTCOME: Quadriceps muscle endurance, measured using the quadriceps endurance test SECONDARY OUTCOME: Dyspnea severity, measured using the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) Dyspnea Scale Functional exercise capacity, measured using the 6‐minute walk test Health‐related quality of life, measured using the COPD Assessment Test (CAT) Pulmonary function, measured using spirometry (FEV1, FVC, PEF) Quadriceps muscle thickness, measured using ultrasound imaging INCLUSION CRITERIA: Stable COPD patients (no exacerbation in the last 4 weeks) Age 40–65 years Post‐bronchodilator FEV1 = 50% mMRC dyspnea score = 3 (moderate to severe)