BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by persistent airflow limitation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of penetrating needles with electrical stimulation combined with exercise training on relieving dyspnea and improving exercise tolerance among COPD patients. METHODS: A total of 85 patients were recruited and randomly assigned to receive either penetrating needles with electrical stimulation (PE) or non-penetrating needles with electrical stimulation (NPE), 3 times a week, for 8 weeks, totaling 24 treatments. Both groups underwent exercise training. The evaluations were conducted at the baseline, after 14 treatments, and after 24 treatments. RESULTS: The PE group showed significant improvement in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) after the 14th treatment. For pulmonary function test, MVV%, MEF50%, MEF75% and MEF25% improved in the PE group, especially MVV% was significantly higher than the NPE group. For cardiopulmonary exercise testing, METs%, VO2/kg%, VE%, VO2/HR%, VEmax, VE/VO2 and VE/VCO2 in the PE group improved, especially VO2/kg%, VE%, VEmax, VE/VO2 and VE/VCO2 were significantly higher than the NPE group. The scores of COPD assessment test in the PE group significantly improved. The scores of modified British Medical Research Council in the PE group was better than the NPE group after the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Penetrating needles with electrical stimulation combined with exercise training may be clinically useful for COPD patients in relieving dyspnea and improving exercise tolerance. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900028627.

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