Exercise performance and symptoms in lowlanders with COPD ascending to moderate altitude: randomized trial.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To evaluate the effects of altitude travel on exercise performance and symptoms in lowlanders with COPD.

Design

Randomized crossover trial.

Setting

University Hospital Zurich (490 m), research facility in mountain villages, Davos Clavadel (1,650 m) and Davos Jakobshorn (2,590 m).

Participants

Forty COPD patients, Global Initiative for Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) grade 2-3, living below 800 m, median (quartiles) age 67 y (60; 69), forced expiratory volume in 1 second 57% predicted (49; 70).

Intervention

Two-day sojourns at 490 m, 1,650 m, and 2,590 m in randomized order.

Outcome measures

Six-minute walk distance (6MWD), cardiopulmonary exercise tests, symptoms, and other health effects.

Results

At 490 m, days 1 and 2, median (q

SUBMITTER: Furian M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6208550 | biostudies-literature | 2018

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature