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Endurance shuttle walking test: responsiveness to salmeterol in COPD

¹ Centre of research, Hôpital Laval, Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de l'Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, and ² Centre de recherche, Hôpital du Sacré-Coeur de Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.

CORRESPONDENCE: F. Maltais, Centre de Pneumologie, Hôpital Laval, 2725 Chemin Ste-Foy, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada. Fax: 1 4186564762. E-mail: francois.maltais{at}med.ulaval.ca

Keywords: Bronchodilators, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, endurance, exercise capacity, exercise testing, salmeterol

Received: September 7, 2007
Accepted November 14, 2007

Few studies have shown that the endurance shuttle walking test (ESWT) is responsive to treatment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This exercise test needs to be further investigated because of its relevance for activity of daily living. The aim of the present study was to evaluate, in patients with COPD, the responsiveness of the ESWT in detecting improvement in walking performance after a single dose of salmeterol.

In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial, 20 patients with COPD performed two ESWT at 80% of peak capacity 2.5 h after inhaling either a placebo or 50 µg of salmeterol. Cardiorespiratory parameters were monitored during each walking test. Inspiratory capacities and Borg ratings for dyspnoea were obtained every other minute throughout the tests.

Compared with placebo, salmeterol produced a significant change in lung function and a significant improvement in walking performance (mean±SD difference in time: 117±20 s; difference in distance: 160±277 m). At isotime (the latest exercise time that was reached on both ESWT), a significant reduction in dyspnoea was observed after bronchodilation.

Bronchodilation with salmeterol reduced dyspnoea during walking and improved walking capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. These findings provide further support for the use of the endurance shuttle walking test as an evaluative tool in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.