Effect of Short-term Oxygen During CPET in COPD

Effect of Short-term Oxygen Therapy on Cardiopulmonary Exercise (CPET) Capacity in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

In a randomized, sham-controlled trial the investigators will test whether supplemental oxygen given during cardiopulmonary exercise testing will improve exercise performance and physiological parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• on optimized medical therapy and in stable condition for at least 4 week
• desaturate in the 6 minute walking test by at least 4% to values <92%

Exclusion Criteria:

• unstable conditions
• pregnant women
• patients with relevant concomitant lung disease and severe daytime hypoxemia