Edgar Normandin

Physiologic responses during the six minute walk test in obese and non-obese COPD patients

Although obesity is a common co-morbid condition in COPD, relatively little is known how it may affect functional exercise capacity. Accordingly, we compared physiologic responses during a 6 min walk test in 10 obese and 10 non-obese COPD patients matched by gender, age, and spirometric severity category. Patients first exercised on a treadmill to determine maximal exercise responses, then following a rest period they completed a 6 min walk test. Breath by-breath analyses of expired air via a facemask was obtained using a portable, battery operated device. Oxygen consumption (VO(2)), carbon dioxide production (VCO(2)), tidal volume (VT), respiratory rate (RR), minute ventilation (VE), and inspiratory capacity (IC) were compared. The mean FEV1 in the obese and non-obese groups was 52 ± 13 and 58 ± 18 percent of predicted, respectively, and the BMI of the obese patients was 37 ± 02 kg/m(2). Obese patients had shorter 6 min walk distances than non-obese patients (247 ± 73 vs 348 ± 51 m, respectively, p = 0.003), but walk-work, defined as 6 min walk distance × weight (in kg), was not different. There were no significant between-group differences in any exercise variable measured during the 6 min walk test. In both groups, VO(2) and VE increased linearly over the first 2-3 min, then plateaued at approximately 80% of maximum. Although 6 min walk distance is shorter in obese COPD patients, their physiologic responses are similar to those of non-obese patients.

a Comparison of Conventional Versus Anaerobic Threshold Exercise Prescription Methods in Subjects With Left Ventricular Dysfunction

This study compared conventional exercise prescription methods with an anaerobic threshold (AT) method in a population with left ventricular dysfunction (LVD) to determine: 1) if a significant number of conventionally prescribed training heart rate ranges (THR) were above anaerobic threshold; and 2) if there was a significant decrease in ventricular function at the prescribed heart rate ranges as assessed by Doppler ultrasound variables, ascending aortic blood velocity (AABV) and peak acceleration (PA). The sample consisted of twelve male subjects with documented LVD (ejection fraction

Clinical Competency Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Professionals: American Association Of Cardiovascular And Pulmonary Rehabilitation Position Statement

The article provides an outline of clinical competencies recommended for personnel providing comprehensive services in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), complementing the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation Guidelines for Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs. Individuals wishing to provide PR services should possess a common core of professional and clinical competencies regardless of their academic discipline.