Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common disease among smokers and former smokers. Patients with COPD have an increased mortality risk when infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Therefore face-masks are often recommended as a preventive method. However, shortness of breath is the leading symptom in this patient group. Furthermore, no data regarding blood oxygenation while wearing different kinds of face-masks is available.~In the present study we will investigate patients with COPD, wearing two different face-masks, while performing a 6-minutes-walking-test (6MWT). I summary three 6MWTs will be performed: without a mask, with a simple face-mask, with a FFP2 mask. Prior to the 6 minute walking test, a pulmonary function test with spirometry, bodyplethysmography and CO-Diffusion capacity measurement will be performed. Additionally capillary blood gas analysis will be performed prior to the 6MWT and following each test.
Since COPD patients are at higher risk for severe illness in case of SARS-CoV-2-infection, precautions such as wearing masks are important for them. However, for this group of patients wearing a mask can lead to increased shortness of breath and discomfort.~Aim of this study is to examine the impact of wearing a face mask during 6-Minute-Walking-Tests (6-MWT) in COPD patients.