This is a 3 month, multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, parallel group study to compare with placebo the long-term effect of tiotropium inhalation capsules on daily physical activity in patients with COPD.
The drugs will be administered in the form of inhalation capsules of tiotropium or placebo, taken once daily in the morning.
The record of daily physical activity using the accelerometer will be carried out at all study visits other than Visit 1. The accelerometer will be used for the five day period, from Thursday to Monday, closest to the corresponding visit.
The pulmonary function tests will be carried out at Visit 1 (screening visit), Visit 2 (baseline visit) and study visits (Visits 3 to 5) with the restrictions detailed at the trial protocol.
Study Hypothesis:
The null hypothesis is that there is no difference between tiotropium (Spiriva) and placebo regarding the magnitude of exercise measured with an accelerometer. The alternative hypothesis is that there is a difference between tiotropium (Spiriva) and placebo regarding the magnitude of exercise measured with an accelerometer.
Comparison(s):
The difference in physical activity measured in vector magnitude units (VMUs) by the triaxial Stayhealthy RT3 accelerometer at the end of the three month treatment period compared to placebo.
