Peak anaerobic power in patients with COPD: gender related differences

The aim of the study was to investigate peak anaerobic power during all-out exercise in patients with COPD. Twenty patients (ten women, ten men) [FEV1=50.5 (7.6)% of predicted] and 11 healthy subjects (six women, five men) performed: (1) three maximal sprints on a cycle ergometer to measure peak anaerobic power (Pmax) and optimal velocity (Vopt), (2) assessment of whole-body composition by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and (3) assessment of mean habitual daily energy expenditure (MHDEE). Pmax was 30% lower in COPD than in healthy subjects [22.9 (7.1) vs. 32.8 (5.6) W kg-1 (legs FFM), P<0.001]. Nevertheless, Vopt was similar in both series. In COPD, Pmax was lower in women than in men [21.4 (7.7) vs. 23.8(6.4) W kg-1 (legs FFM), P<0.05]. Vopt was lower in women than in COPD men [72.6 (11.3) vs. 89.3 (13.8) rpm, P<0.05]. MHDEE was lower in COPD than in healthy subjects [8019 (1254) vs. 9093 (1660) kJ day-1]. In COPD, MHDEE was lower in women than in men (P<0.001). This study demonstrates that in COPD patients, the decrease in peak anaerobic power could play a role in their specific muscular dysfunction. Considerable differences were observed in peripheral muscle function, body composition and MHDEE between women and men. The skeletal muscle of women and men may therefore adapt to COPD in different ways.