The Six-minute Stepper Test as an Outcome Measure of Exercise Tolerance During Pulmonary Rehabilitation in With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients(STEPPER)?

The Six-minute Stepper Test : Marker of Exercise Tolerance's Evolution During Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Patients With COPD ?

The aim of this study is to show if the six-minute stepper test (ST6) is a sensible marker of exercise tolerance evolution during a pulmonary rehabilitation program in people with all stages of severity of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

Currently, the reference test in assessing functional capacity in COPD patients during pulmonary rehabilitation is the six-Minute Walking Test (6MWT). However, the realization of the 6MWT requires a 30m-long corridor, according to the American Thoracic Society Guidelines. Lack of sufficient space can prevent the realization of 6MWT, especially for private practitioner pulmonologists, and also in hospitals. The six-minute stepper test (ST6) which can be performed in a normal room, should be an interesting alternative.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient with COPD wtih all stages of severity
• Hospitalized in the pulmonary rehabilitation unit in the hospital of Morlaix, with a 3 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation course

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pneumonectomy, Lobectomy less than 6 months
• orthopedic problem
• Balance disorder
• Weight > 110kg