Relationship between pulmonary function and unsupported arm exercise in patients with COPD.

Unlabelled: In patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) the limitation on unsupported arm exercise (UAE) is predominantly respiratory muscle function-dependent. It is characterized by neuromechanical dysfunction (thoracoabdominal dyssynchrony) of the inspiratory muscles (diaphragm, accessory), superimposed by lung mechanics dysfunction. The undergoing mechanism is probably multifactorial.