Music listening during a walking test in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

INTERVENTION: The choice of music from 4 genres (classical, pop, country/western and big band) will be available for participants to select from. Musical options include songs with lyrics and tunes/instrumental only. The choice of music will be determined by the participant. One practice constant speed endurance test will be undertaken for each participant to become familiar with the protocol and to determine the usual and fast walking speed. Following this, each participant will complete a constant speed endurance test under two conditions (music and no music), with the order randomised. During the intervention phase, the participant will select their music which will be played via a portable device (ipod Nano) for the duration of the test. The speed of the endurance walk test will be determined by the usual and fast walking speed of the patient. This will be undertaken within a closed corridor with minimal traffic in the basement of a hospital. The wash out period between walking tests will be one week. CONDITION: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease PRIMARY OUTCOME: Endurance time SECONDARY OUTCOME: Borg dyspnoea according to the modified Borg scale Fatigue level according to modified Borg scale Multidimensional dyspnoea profile (standardised and valid questionnaire providing sensory and affective information about dyspnoea) INCLUSION CRITERIA: Diagnosis of COPD (FEV1/FVC < 70), Stable condition