The purpose of this study was to compare respiratory responses with moderate and slow rates of unsupported arm exercise (UAE) with a newly developed electromechanical device. Twenty-one patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were studied. Exercise endurance limits, metabolic, ventilatory and sensation outcomes were determined at rest prior to exercise and at end-exercise endurance limits. Increases from baseline rest for both exercise rates were observed in: oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide production, inspiratory flow, minute ventilation, respiratory rate, dyspnea, respiratory effort, and arm fatigue. Endurance limits were similar for both rates of UAE. These data provide standards against which UAE in COPD can be evaluated.
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