Comparison of Walking in Water and on Land in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Determining the Metabolic Load of Walking in Water Compared to Walking on Land in People With COPD, Who Are Normal Weight and Obese, Compared to Peak Exercise Metabolic Response: a Prospective, Randomised Cross-over Pilot Trial

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the metabolic load during a single session of moderate intensity walking in water compared to walking on land (over-ground) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) who are normal weight and obese, compared with peak exercise metabolic response.

The hypothesis is that the metabolic load of walking at a moderate intensity in water will be greater than walking on land.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of COPD (FEV1/FVC <0.7) in a clinically stable state (no acute exacerbation of COPD within the previous 4 weeks)
• accepting of walking in water
• BMI >/= 21 kg/m2

Exclusion Criteria:

• long-term oxygen therapy
• contraindications to entering a hydrotherapy pool