Effects of Non-invasive Ventilation on Rehabilitation Outcome in COPD-patients

Effects of Non-invasive Ventilation on Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in COPD-patients GOLD III/IV

The aim of the study is to find out if nocturnal non-invasive ventilation during pulmonary rehabilitation increases exercise capacity and quality of life more than pulmonary rehabilitation alone.

Inclusion Criteria:

• confirmed diagnosis of COPD in stages GOLD III/ IV
• receiving optimized medical treatment and long term oxygen therapy if needed
• patients consent to participate in this trial
• no treatment with NIV in the last 4 weeks
• treatment with NIV in the last 4 weeks due to an acute exacerbation

Exclusion Criteria:

• treatment with NIV in the last 4 weeks (except due to an acute exacerbation)
• Intolerance to perform NIV
• Acute exacerbation at baseline or during PR
• Hypercapnia > pCO2 55mmHg
• Inability to perform a 6 minute walking test