Physiologic Effects of Nasal High Flow on Exercise Tolerance in COPD

Physiologic Effects of Nasal High Flow on Exercise Tolerance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

This study aims to assess whether to describe the effects of the administration of nasal high flow (NHF) at 70 liters per minute (L/min) in a 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients and to characterize the association between self-reported dyspnea with and without NHF at 70 L/min following a 6-MWT.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Able to consent
• Age 18 years or older
• Diagnosis of COPD
• Ability to ambulate without assistance
• Use of low-flow nasal cannula ≤ 4 L/min or no supplemental oxygen (O2) at all

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnancy
• Being on bedrest
• Inability to consent or cooperate with the study
• Using of > 4 L/min of supplemental O2 or requiring non-invasive ventilation during the daytime
• Hemodynamic instability (resting heart rate > 130/minute, systolic blood pressure of ≤ 90 mmHg or ≥ 180 mmHg)
• Metal implants in the thoracic regions (pacemakers, Automatic Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (AICD), plates, screws, rods, and disc replacements)