Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease At Altitude
Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease At Altitude
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a stay at moderate altitude on
 exercise performance of patients with chronic obstructive lung disease.
Patients with moderate to severe COPD living below 800 m, will be recruited to participate in
 a randomized cross-over field trial evaluating the hypothesis that exercise capacity during a
 4 day sojourn at moderate altitude is reduced in comparison to low altitude. Outcomes will be
 assessed during 2 days in Zurich (490 m, low altitude baseline), 2 days at Davos Clavadel
 (1650 m), and 2 days at Davos Jakobshorn (2590 m). The main outcome is the 6 minute walk
 distance.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), GOLD grade 2-3

 -  residents at low altitude (<800 m)

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Unstable condition, COPD exacerbation

 -  Mild (GOLD 1) or very severe COPD (GOLD 4)

 -  requirement for oxygen therapy at low altitude residence

 -  hypoventilation

 -  pulmonary hypertension

 -  more than mild or unstable cardiovascular disease

 -  use of drugs that affect respiratory center drive

 -  internal, neurologic or psychiatric disease that interfere with protocol compliance
 including current heavy smoking (>20 cigarettes per day), inability to perform 6 min
 walk test.

 -  previous intolerance to moderate altitude (<2600m).

 -  Exposure to altitudes >1500m for >2 days within the last 4 weeks before the study.

 -  Pregnant or nursing patients