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Background and objective:  Cycle ergometer training is an important component of pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD. However, incremental cycle tests from which individualized cycle training intensity can be prescribed may not be readily available to clinicians. The aims of the study were to (i) investigate the physiological and psychophysical responses to the 6‐min walk test (6MWT), incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) and cycle ergometer test (CET); and (ii) determine whether the distance walked in either the 6MWT or the ISWT could be used to estimate peak work rate on a cycle ergometer.

Methods:  A repeated measures study was undertaken in COPD patients in a stable condition. The 6MWT, ISWT and CET were performed in random order, and physiological responses, rate of perceived exertion and dyspnoea were measured.

Results:  Twenty‐two patients with COPD completed the study …