A study on exercise limitation in patients with mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a tertiary care hospital in Telangana.

Aims and Objectives: To know whether there is any exercise limitation in patients with mild COPD based on inspiratory capacity. To evaluate for forced expiratory time in mild COPD. Methods: From a period of May 2018 to April 2021, prospective observational study carried out on 30 cases of mild COPD defined by spirometry. The study was conducted in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Government General and Chest Hospital, Erragadda, Hyderabad, Telangana, India. Results: These 30 cases and 20 controls were evaluated for exercise limitation by exercise testing with cycle ergometer. The parameter measured is the inspiratory capacity. There is significant decrease in the inspiratory capacity in cases after the exercise test when compared to controls which was statistically significant. There in marked limitation of exercise even in cases with mild COPD. So, early intervention and proper treatment improves the quality of life and threshold for exercise. Measurement of peak oxygen uptake would have been a better parameter for exercise limitation with better outcomes. Conclusions: There in marked limitation of exercise even in cases with mild COPD. So, early intervention and proper treatment improves the quality of life and threshold for exercise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]