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We have previously shown that tiotropium at 18 μg reduces lung hyperinflation and dyspnea during exercise and improves exercise tolerance in patients with COPD. The present study was designed to gain further insight into the duration of improvements.

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was conducted in 261 COPD patients (mean age, 62.5 ± 7.4 years [± SD]; 189 men and 72 women; mean FEV₁, 1.2 ± 0.4 L [43 ± 12.7% predicted]). On day 0 (first dose), day 21, and day 42 of treatment, pulmonary function tests were performed before and 1 h 20 min after dosing, followed by a constant work rate cycle ergometry test (75% maximum work capacity) to symptom limitation at 2.25 h after dosing. On day 42, an additional constant work rate cycle ergometry test was performed at 8 h after dosing.

Adjusted mean (± SE) endurance …