Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 31, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Tiotropium improves walking endurance in COPD
M-E Bédard1, C Brouillard, V Pepin
1Centre de Recherche, Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec, 2725, Chemin Ste-Foy, Québec, G1V 4G5 Canada.
Abstract:
The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 3-week treatment with tiotropium on walking capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). After familiarisation with study procedures, 36 patients were randomised to receive tiotropium 18 μg once daily or a matching placebo in a double-blind, parallel-group study. Pre- (trough) and 2-h post-dose pulmonary function was measured. An endurance shuttle walk was then completed. The same procedures were repeated after 3 weeks of treatment. Ventilatory parameters were monitored during exercise. At 3 weeks, tiotropium significantly improved walking endurance time in comparison with placebo, with a mean±sd between-group difference of 128±141 s (p=0.017). At 3 weeks, trough values for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC) were significantly improved with tiotropium in comparison with placebo. The post-dose response to tiotropium was statistically superior to placebo after the first dose and after 3 weeks of treatment for FEV(1), FVC and inspiratory capacity. Ventilation and tidal volume at the end of walking were significantly improved with tiotropium. 3 weeks of tiotropium resulted in a greater walking endurance in patients with COPD. Improvements in FEV(1), maximal ventilation and tidal volume may contribute to this enhanced exercise capacity.
Related Concept Videos
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Assessment