RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Endurance shuttle walking test: responsiveness to salmeterol in COPD
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP 579
OP 584
DO 10.1183/09031936.00119007
VO 31
IS 3
A1 C. Brouillard
A1 V. Pepin
A1 J. Milot
A1 Y. Lacasse
A1 F. Maltais
YR 2008
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/31/3/579.abstract
AB 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.