Endurance shuttle walking test: responsiveness to salmeterol in COPD.
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 microg 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.
Centre de Pneumologie, Hôpital Laval, 2725 Chemin Ste-Foy, Quebec, QC, G1V 4G5, Canada.
C
C
Brouillard
V
V
Pepin
J
J
Milot
Y
Y
Lacasse
F
F
Maltais
D000368:Aged; D000420:Albuterol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001993:Bronchodilator Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004417:Dyspnea / Q000188:drug therapy; D005080:Exercise Test; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D005541:Forced Expiratory Volume / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D014797:Vital Capacity / Q000187:drug effects
D001993:Bronchodilator Agents; D000068299:Salmeterol Xinafoate; D000420:Albuterol