[Is stairclimbing a maximal exercise test for COPD patients?]. / La montée des escaliers est-elle une épreuve d'effort maximale pour des patients BPCO ?

INTRODUCTION: Variable tests evaluate the cardio-respiratory working capacity of COPD patients. Stairclimbing testing has been less studied. Our hypothesis is that this functional exercise test represents a submaximal effort for these patients. METHOD: We compared in 10 COPD patients the main metabolic and ventilatory parameters at the end of an effort between stairclimbing and cycle ergometer test. RESULTS: The following parameters studied (RER, V'CO2, lactates, V'E) are significantly lower for stair climbing. Nevertheless, in 8 patients, the V'O2 at the end of the stairclimbing testing is equal to the cycle ergometer test and in two patients superior. Concerning the evolution of some parameters during stairclimbing, 2 distinct profiles were observed: stabilization of the V'O2, HR, V'E and Vt (6/10 patients) or a constant increase of those parameters (4/10 patients). CONCLUSION: Stairclimbing represents a submaximal effort for the majority of COPD patients combined with a high metabolic cost. However, some COPD patients execute a maximal effort like in the cycle ergometer test when climbing stairs. These two groups could not be differentiated with the rest lung function data. The hypothesis of different mechanical constraints and/or motivation is suggested.

[Determining factors of walking distance during 6-minutes walk test in COPD patients]. / Déterminants de la distance parcourue et de la dyspnée lors du test de marche de six minutes chez les patients atteints de BPCO.

INTRODUCTION: In stable COPD, we studied the factors determining six-minute walking distance and dyspnea at the end of the test. METHODS: Patients were evaluated by tests of lung function, St Georges' respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and 6MWT with inspiratory capacity measurements (IC) and continuous oxymetry. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (mean FEV(1): 56+19% predicted) were studied. Mean 6-minute walking distance was 477+89m, (72+14% PV). Walking distance during 6MWT (m) was correlated with FEV(1), IC/TLC ratio, TLC, pre-test IC and DLco/VA. When expressed as a percent of predicted values, walking distance was correlated with FRC, pre-test IC and SGRQ activity score. End-test dyspnea was correlated with FRC, pre-test dyspnea and SGRQ activity and total scores. CONCLUSION: The factors determining 6-minute walking distance and end-test dyspnea are complex and include both functional and non-functional factors. In COPD, 6MWT is thus an investigation that has additional integrative value.

[Chest physiotherapy techniques - can they reduce hyperinflation]. / Les techniques de médecine physique peuvent-elles pallier la distension?

The authors review the literature concerning the possibilities of modifying the mechanical characteristics of the respiratory system with breathing retraining and other chest physiotherapy intervention. Breathing retraining techniques with prolonged and active expiration induce increased work of breathing and do not help diaphragmatic function. Only pursed lips breathing seems to produce some mechanical advantages. The seated and forward position with fixed arms may reduce dyspnea but this does not appear to be caused by a decrease in operating lung volumes. By contrast, the dorsal decubitus position may reduce hyperinflation, giving some mechanical advantage to the diaphragm but does not reduce dyspnea and is not a position spontaneously adopted by patients. General muscular training may reduce ventilatory demand, and by reducing respiratory frequency lead to a decrease in the end expiratory lung volume; therefore inducing improvement in exercise tolerance.