Objective: 

In this study, investigation of total oxidant and antioxidant status, aerobic exercise capacity, daily physical activity, pulmonary functions, body composition, and health related quality of life changes as well as the associations among these parameters was aimed in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) versus healthy controls.

Methods: 

A total of thirty male patients with COPD and thirty healthy male controls were included in this study. Total oxidant and total antioxidant status were measured in venous blood sera. Aerobic exercise capacity, daily physical activity, pulmonary function tests, body composition, skinfold thickness and circumference measurements were determined.

Results: 

Aerobic exercise capacity was found to be lower in patients with COPD in comparison to the ones in healthy controls. In terms of daily physical activity, no significant differences were found between two groups. The total oxidant value was higher in patients with COPD than the ones in healthy controls, whereas the total antioxidant value was lower in COPD group compared to the control group. Body fat percentage and waist to hip ratio were found higher in patients with COPD than the ones in healthy controls.

Conclusions: 

Unaffected daily physical activity in patients with mild to moderate COPD might be attributed to the mild levels of pulmonary dysfunction. It seems that oxidative stress, pulmonary functions and aerobic capacity are interrelated parameters in patients with COPD and we think they might have a role in the pathogenesis of COPD. This study also suggests that abdominal obesity might be considered in the COPD phenotype.