Passive leg movement in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: evidence of locomotor muscle vascular dysfunction

Utilizing both the single and continuous passive leg movement (PLM) models, which induce nitric oxide (NO)-dependent hyperemia, this study provides evidence of vascular dysfunction in the locomotor muscle of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), independent of central hemodynamics. This impaired hyperemia may be the result of an oxidant-mediated attenuation in NO bioavailability. In addition to clearly dysfunctional lungs, vascular dysfunction in locomotor muscle may contribute to the exercise intolerance associated with COPD and increased cardiovascular disease risk.