Effects of PEP on IC During IT in Patients With COPD

Effects of Positive Expiratory Pressure on Inspiratory Capacity and Dyspnea in Patients With COPD During Exercise

This study will investigate the effects of positive expiratory pressure (PEP) on hyperinflation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Inspiratory capacity (IC) is the primary outcome

This is a cross-over intervention assessing the effect of PEP on IC and dyspnea in patients with COPD performing an interval training (IT) session.

IC will be measured before, during and immediately after the IT session. Each participant will receive perform IT sessions including either the use of a PEP of 10 cmH2O or a PEP of 1 cmH2O. The effects on IC and dyspnea on both PEP levels will be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stable COPD since 1 month at least
• Able to understand the instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

• COPD with a forced expiratory volume at one second > 80% of predicted values
• In exacerbation
• Orthopedic of neurological condition likely to interfere with the experimentation
• Contraindication to perform exercise