Effects of Tiotropium on Breathing Capacity and Exercise Limitation in Early Stages of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Inclusion criteria: For COPD subjects: Male or female, age of 40 years or older, smoking history \>10 pack-years, symptomatic defined as baseline dyspnea index focal score of 9 or more and / or daily cough with production of sputum for three months per year during at least two consecutive years, diagnosis of early stage COPD according to: post-bronchodilator FEV1/FVC ratio \<70%., FEV1 \>/=50% post-bronchodilator predicted normal, and a decreased Inspiratory Capacity during exercise. For Age / Gender Matched Controls: Male or female, age of 40 years or older, nonsmoker, with no significant diseases. Exclusion criteria: Patients with a significant disease other than COPD; a significant disease is defined as a disease which, in the opinion of the investigator, may (i) put the patient at risk because of participation in the study, (ii) influence the results of the study, or (iii) cause concern regarding the patient's ability to participate in the study. Patients with a history of asthma, Patients requiring the use of supplemental oxygen therapy, Patients who have a limitation of exercise performance as a result of factors other than fatigue or exertional dyspnoea, such as arthritis in the leg, angina pectoris, claudication or other conditions, or Patients with contraindications to exercise. Note: Additional exclusion criteria for Age / Gender Matched Controls: Patients with a significant disease including COPD.