Aim of this study was to evaluate the hypoxic response during hypobaric flight simulation in normal individuals as well as in normocapnic and hypercapnic COPD patients as well as to evaluate the impact of a flight simulation on walking endurance in these patients.

Background and aim:

Commercial aircrafts have their altitude compensation adjusted to 2500 meter above sea level which corresponds to a pressure difference of about 270 hPa. This causes a reduction of the partial pressure of oxygen during the flight. Patients with lung disease are especially challenged by large walking distances within airports and during their journey. The objective of our study is to evaluate the impact of a simulated flight under hyperbaric conditions on walking endurance in healthy individuals as well as in COPD Patients with and without hypercapnia.

Method:

Healthy individuals as well as COPD patients were assessed pre-flight with the following measurements:

1. Arterial blood gas analysis
2. Lung function test
3. Lung diffusion test
4. Hemoglobin level
5. Six minute walking distance

During the flight measurements included (measured every 30 minutes until landing):

1. Heartrate
2. Oxygen saturation
3. Borg scale

Post flight measurements included:

1. Arterial blood gas analysis
2. Six minute walking distance

Intended analysis:

• Description of endurance response as a function of COPD disease severity.
• Description of endurance response in normocapnic and hypercapnic COPD patients.
• Detection of pre-flight predictors that determine flight tolerability and hypoxic response.

Inclusion Criteria:

• No lung disease
• COPD without hypercapnea
• COPD with hypercapnea

Exclusion Criteria:

• Claustrophobia
• Renal insufficiency
• Heart failure (ejection fraction < 45 %)