Effect of Expiratory Positive Pressure on Dynamic Hyperinflation and Ability to Exercise With Upper Limbs in COPD

Subjects will initially perform maximal incremental cardiopulmnar test of upper limbs to assess the suggestion of dynamic hyperinflation (DH). After that, it will be randomized, for those who presented DH, to perform the endurance test with and without the use of positive expiratory pressure mask.

The 6-min pegboard and ring test (6PBRT) will be performed under usual breathing and during application of the EPAP mask. In this condition will be evaluated the presence of dynamic hyperinflation, perception of effort and dipnea, in addition to exercise capacity.