Abstract:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common, preventable and treatable that is characterized by persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow inflammation that is due to airway and alveolar abnormalities usually caused by significant exposure to noxious particles or gases. The symptoms usually associated with this disease are dyspnea, cough and sputum. Despite the fact that chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is primarily a respiratory disease, impaired respiratory function is only one aspect of the disability experienced by individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition to expiratory flow limitation and dyspnea, patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease often have comorbidities such as cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, limb muscle dysfunction, and psychological disorders. All of these contribute to the limitation of functional capacity and limited participation in activities of daily living. Functional assessment should focus on upper extremity physical functional activities such as standing, changing basic body position, walking, standing, holding and carrying objects. In the literature, there are limited studies on upper extremity functional evaluations in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to present information about the methods used for upper extremity functional assessment in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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