Aerosure and Six Minute Walk Distance in Severe COPD

Does High-frequency Airflow Oscillation, Delivered Using Aerosure, Increase Exercise Capacity in Severe Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

To investigate whether high frequency airflow oscillation (HFAO), delivered using Aerosure, increases six minute walk distance (6MWD) and reduces exertional breathlessness in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stable severe COPD (FEV1 < 50% predicted)
• Modified MRC dyspnoea score 2 or greater
• At least 10 pack year smoking history
• Able to mobilise independently

Exclusion Criteria:

• Contraindications to spirometry [1]

• Contraindications to clinical exercise testing [2]

• Contraindications to HFAO (see section A.6.3b))

• Resting SpO2>88% on air or on patient's usual oxygen prescription

• Systolic arterial blood pressure (ABP) >200mmHg, diastolic ABP >100 mmHg

  1. Cooper, B.G., An update on contraindications for lung function testing. Thorax, 2010.
  2. ATS/ACCP Statement on Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing. Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med., 2003. 167(2): p. 211-277.