Walking Speeds in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Repeatability and Utility of the Usual and Fast Walking Speeds in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

A growing body of evidence suggests that in individuals with chronic lung disease their walk speed is related to their daily function and quality of life. It is possible to assess their usual (routine) and fast walking speeds by getting them to walk in a flat hallway.

In individuals with chronic lung disease, we anticipate that their usual walk speed will be helpful in exercise prescription and use in multidimensional scoring systems. However, it is important to first determine the measurement properties of these two walk speeds.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical and spirometric diagnosis of COPD
• Able to provide written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable cardiovascular disease
• Acute respiratory exacerbation within 4 weeks
• Neurologic or orthopedic limitation to walking
• Inability to comprehend instructions in English