Total body fat and muscle mass depletion has been reported in some patients with COPD. This study used simple anthropometric measurements to compare the body composition of patients with moderate-severe COPD to that of healthy controls, and examines relationships between body composition, disease severity, habitual physical activity and resting and exercise energy expenditure. Results show no significant differences in overall Heath-Carter somatotype characteristics, percent body fat, fat free mass and girth measurements between COPD and control subjects although when stratified by gender, female COPD patients exhibited a greater body fat component. Measured VO2 (L/min) at rest or during steady-state exercise was not significantly different between COPD and control subjects despite a higher exercise ventilation in patients. Neither resting or exercise energy expenditure was related to body composition, however it was related to DLCO/VA (ml·min-1·mmHg -1·L-1). Findings from this study suggest that COPD patients capable of participating in dynamic exercise studies do not exhibit total body fat and muscle depletion. Findings in women suggest that the relative decrease in FFM may be related to a relatively higher proportion of body fat and not a decrease in absolute muscle mass.

Thesis (PhD) -- AUT University, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (xvi, 205 leaves : ill. ; 30 cm.) in the Archive at the City Campus (T 613.7042 DUN)

Thesis (MPhil) -- AUT University, 2008. / Includes bibliographical references. Also held in print (xviii, 152 leaves : col. ill. ; 30 cm.) in North Shore Theses Collection (T 599.940993 WEN)

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, November, 2004. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-97)

Thesis (M.S.)--Marshall University, 2002. / Title from document title page. Document formatted into pages; contains vii, 46 p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 43-46).

Thesis (M.S.)--University of Alabama at Birmingham, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed Sept. 24, 2009). Includes bibliographical references (p. 36-38).

Thesis (M.S.)--Brigham Young University. Dept. of Exercise Sciences, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (D.P.E.)--Springfield College, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available online (PDF file) by a subscription to the set or by purchasing the individual file.

Thesis (M.S.)--Ohio University, November, 2004. / Title from PDF t.p. Includes bibliographical references (p. 77-97)

Thesis (M.S.)--University of British Columbia, 2003. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 44-47).