Physical Function in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Physical Function in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The aims of the study are to examine the responsiveness of, and the correlation between field walk tests and physical performance test in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) after participating in pulmonary rehabilitation.

Patients with COPD who are participating at pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) at Haukeland University Hospital will be asked and consecutive enrolled to the study. Before and after PR the six-minute walk test, incremental- and endurance shuttle walk test, 30 sec sit-to-stand test and stair test will be used to evaluate change in physical capacity and -performance.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with COPD, Forced expiratory volume in 1 sec (FEV1)/Forced vital capacity (FVC) <0.7 and FEV1<80% of predicted value.
• Able to walk corridor and stairs
• Norwegian speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• COPD exacerbations requiring medical treatment last 4 weeks prior to inclusion led to deferment of inclusion
• Not safe to exercise (e.g unstable angina)
• mental illness and drug abuse that makes group treatment not suitable