Prevalence of Exercise-Induced Desaturation Among COPD Patients Enrolled in Early Inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation 2026 Open access

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Authors: Mara Paneroni, Laura Spinello, Beatrice Salvi, Carla Simonelli, Aldo Diasparra, Massimo Venturelli, Michele Vitacca
DOI: 10.15326/jcopdf.2025.0724
Cited by: 1

Abstract

Background: Acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPDs) may cause exercise-induced desaturation (EID), affecting recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. The prevalence and clinical implications of EID during early postexacerbation pulmonary rehabilitation are unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of EID in COPD patients recovering from AECOPDs, with and without long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) at rest, and to compare clinical, functional, and physiological characteristics. Methods: This retrospective, multicenter study included 262 COPD patients admitted for inpatient pulmonary rehabilitation after AECOPDs. Participants were stratified by resting oxygen therapy status. EID was defined as a ≥4% fall in peripheral oxygen saturation from baseline with nadir

Fields of Study & Subjects

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research Cardiovascular and exercise physiology Cardiac Health and Mental Health

Publication details

Journal / source
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases Journal of the COPD Foundation
Publisher
COPD Foundation
Volume
13
Issue
2
Pages
136–146
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN