Final answer:
The Aspin-Welch t-test or Unequal Variance t-test is best for comparing two different patient groups. The Anaerobic Threshold test would be most appropriate for monitoring improvements in a COPD patient's aerobic capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the first part of your question regarding comparing the post-test results from two different groups of 50 patients, the Aspin-Welch t-test or Unequal Variance t-test would be the most appropriate. These tests are used when comparing two independent population means with unknown and possibly unequal population standard deviations.
For the second part concerning the 70-year-old former smoker diagnosed with COPD, the best test to track improvements in his aerobic capability would be the measurement of the Anaerobic Threshold. This test would help understand the point at which lactic acid starts to accumulate in the bloodstream, signifying the shift from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism, which could offer insights into his aerobic capacity and improvements in it over time.
Learn more about Medical Testing