[Spiro-ergometry in chronic obstructive lung diseases]

The relationship of ventilatory function (FEV1, RV) with ergospirometric parameters (VO2max, VEmax/MVV) and arterial blood gas changes (delta paO2, delta paCO2) was investigated in 52 COPD patients. After exercise group I patients (n = 32) had better oxygenation (paO2: 62.6 +/- 7.2-->78.2 +/- 11.2 mmHg, P < 0.001), while paO2 in group II (n = 20) deteriorated (60.9 +/- 7.3-->54.1 +/- 5.4 mmHg, p < 0.001). Significant correlation have been found only in group II between FEV1 and VO2max (r = 0.65, p < 0.01) and RV and VO2max (r = -0.64, p < 0.01). Of the 41 patients who reached anaerobic threshold (AT), only 8 showed worse paO2 after exercise. Our results suggest that simultaneous observation of metabolic (AT) and respiratory (paO2) parameters during exercise are necessary to select those COPD patients who could have benefit from high intensity regular physical training. Those, who are able to reach AT and paO2 does not deteriorate during exercise are the best candidates for this kind of treatment.