Effect of Ventilation-Feedback Training on Exercise Performance in COPD

The primary objective of the study is to determine whether individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) who complete ventilation-feedback training combined with a moderately-high intensity exercise and upper body strength program will demonstrate significantly longer exercise duration on a constant work rate treadmill test when compared to subjects who are randomly assigned to a moderately-high intensity exercise and upper body strength training program without ventilation-feedback or ventilation-feedback only. Secondary study objectives are to determine whether individuals with COPD who complete ventilation-feedback training combined with a moderately-high intensity exercise and upper body strength training program will demonstrate significantly: (a) greater exercise tolerance and aerobic power; (b) lower perception of breathlessness during progressive and constant work rate leg-cycle and treadmill exercise testing; (c) higher tidal volume and lower breathing frequency during constant work rate and at any given workload during progressive testing; (d) lower score on the Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire indicating improved quality of life; (e) higher transition focal score (less dyspnea) on the Transition Dyspnea Index; (f) maintain a sustained breathing-pattern adjustment to exercise when compared to subjects who are randomly assigned to a moderately-high intensity exercise and upper body strength program without ventilation-feedback or ventilation-feedback only.