Limitation of exercise tolerance, especially activities of daily living, is the most significant clinical experience, which greatly affects quality of life of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Many advances in the understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of bronchial obstruction in patients with COPD and their meanings for diagnosis and monitoring of the disease have occurred during the last two decades. The author discusses the most significant factors, which influence tolerance of physical exercise in patients with more advanced forms of COPD, and brings the attention to a practical test of physical capacity.

        Key words: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, airflow limitation, dynamic hyperinflation, respiratory muscles, exercise tolerance.