Effect of Supplemental Oxygen on Exercise Capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients without Exercise-induced Hypoxemia

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine whether supplemental oxygen can improve exercise capacity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients without exercise-induced hypoxemia. Ten stable COPD patients with resting PaO₂ more than 55 mmHg and exercise O₂ saturation not less than 88% were included in the study. The patients underwent constant load exercise tests without oxygen and receiving oxygen (4 L/min) in different days. Endurance time, breathlessness, leg fatigue, and the maximum heart rate were evaluated. As results, no improvements in all these variables were observed when oxygen was given. We conclude that supplemental oxygen does not improve exercise capacity in nonhypoxemic COPD patients.