Evaluation of dynamic hyperinflation and exercise capacity in patients with COPD

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in dynamic hyperinflation in response to exercise in patients with COPD and healthy individuals. Methods: In this study, resting in the spirometric measurements, exercise capacity of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD) compared with healthy individuals. Exercise capacity of COPD patients and healthy controls were performed and were compared in terms of dynamic hyperinflation. Results: Patients with stable COPD (n=19) and healthy controls (n=13) were included. Subjects performed pulmonary function tests and an incremental exercise test on cycle ergometry (Inspiratory capacity (IC), end expiratory lung volume (EELV)). Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were found regarding exercise test parameters including exercise duration, maximum oxygen uptake, breathing reserve, maximum minute ventilation, and breathing pattern between groups. There was significant increase in EELV (p<0.05) and decrease in IC (p<0.05) at maximum exercise when hyperinflation parameters were compared at baseline and maximum exercise. Conclusion: Hyperinflation was evident at maximal exercise, although there were no hyperinflation findings at rest in subjects with COPD. It was concluded that it is better to evaluate hyperinflation at maximal exercise than at rest in patients with COPD.