City Research Online

Abstract

Background: Dyspnoea is a common symptom in COPD and can lead to progressive decline in exercise capacity. Non-Invasive Ventilation has been shown to improve symptoms and exercise capacity but is clinically impractical due to logistical constraints. A portable ventilation device (Vitabreath) may overcome these barriers and be a useful adjunct therapy.

Aim: To investigate the effect of Vitabreath on exercise capacity in patients with COPD.

Methods: Randomised crossover design; 12 participants with COPD (FEV1% 45±15) performed 3 Six-Minute Walk Tests using i) Vitabreath, ii) Threshold Positive Expiratory Pressure (PEP), or iii) no device. Primary outcome: six-minute walk distance (6MWD). Secondary outcomes: changes in heart rate, oxygen saturations (SpO2), dyspnoea, and lower limb (LL) fatigue, and recovery time of each variable.

Results: Mean 6MWD was less using Vitabreath compared to no device (p=0.01). Use of Vitabreath resulted in a smaller change in dyspnoea (p=0.008) and LL fatigue scores (p=0.02), and a faster LL recovery time (p=0.01) compared to Threshold PEP. SpO2 recovery time was faster using Vitabreath compared to both Threshold PEP (p=0.008) and no device (p=0.03).

Conclusion: The data suggest no benefit in using the Vitabreath in improving exercise capacity.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This is an author-submitted, peer-reviewed version of a manuscript that has been accepted for publication in the European Respiratory Journal, prior to copy-editing, formatting and typesetting. This version of the manuscript may not be duplicated or reproduced without prior permission from the European Respiratory Society. The publisher is not responsible or liable for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or in any version derived from it by any other parties. The final, copy-edited, published article, which is the version of record, is available without a subscription 18 months after the date of issue publication.
Subjects:	R Medicine > R Medicine (General) R Medicine > RZ Other systems of medicine
Departments:	School of Health & Psychological Sciences > Healthcare Services Research & Management
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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