Maximal Oxygen Uptake (VO2max) in Patients With COPD

Introduction and background Patients with COPD face a challenging journey characterized by a progressive loss of lung function, ultimately resulting in a diminished quality of life, exercise limitations and heightened vulnerability to disability and premature mortality. Recognizing the pivotal role of regular exercise in enhancing the well-being of COPD patients, it becomes crucial to evaluate their cardiorespiratory fitness through parameters such as maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). This metric serves as a cornerstone in assessing the maximal capacity of the cardiovascular system to deliver oxygen to working muscles and the muscles' ability to utilize oxygen during sustained exercise. In broader health contexts high VO2max has been established as a key indicator inversely correlated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases and mortality. However, despite the acknowledged importance of VO2max, there is a notable gap in research focusing specifically on VO2max of COPD patients. The need for a thorough examination of the content validity of the VO2-max test in the context of COPD, along with an assessment of its test-retest reliability (day-to-day variation), has not been adequately addressed, especially in comparison with healthy individuals. While regular exercise has proven to be a transformative factor in improving the quality of life for COPD patients, there remains a critical need to explore the reliability of VO2-max testing within this population. Not only does COPD induce a decline in physical activity, but it can also contribute to a reduction in VO2-max. Consequently, understanding the validity and test-retest reliability of VO2-max testing in COPD becomes paramount. Aim To compare the validity and test-retest reliability of the VO2-max test in COPD patients compared with healthy controls. Perspective The results are relevant for designing future studies of VO2max and VO2kinetics as outcomes in COPD patients.