Abstract:

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to examine the respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength and peripheral muscle strength of COPD patients with different GOLD stages and to evaluate their correlation with the duration and prognosis of the disease in COPD. Methods: Patient’s demographic information, clinical status, COPD Assessment Test score, mMRC Dyspnea Scale score, emergency and hospital admissions numbers in the last 3 months, number of exacerbation and hospitalizations in the last one year were recorded. Maximal mouth pressures were used for respiratory muscle strength. Peripheral muscle strength was evaluated with handgrip in the upper extremity. In the lower extremity knee extension and flexion strength were evaluated with a hand-held dynamometer. The findings of PFT performed during the regular hospital controls were obtained. GOLD stages of patients were determined according to GOLD combined assessment. Results: Total of 31 COPD cases (5 females, 26 males, age 64.80 ± 7.71 years), including nine in Group B, five in Group C and 17 in Group D, were included in our study. There were statistically significant, negative, moderate correlations between all patients' respiratory functions and disease duration (p <0.05; for FVC% r: -0.410; for FEV1% r: -0.569; for MEF25-75% r: -0.451). There was a statistically significant, moderate, negative correlation between knee extension strength and numbers of exacerbations and hospitalizations over the last 1 year (p <0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study suggest that non-respiratory symptoms and GOLD stages should also be considered in the planning of COPD follow-up and pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Clinical trial registration number (NCT04803656), 09.03.2021 (retrospectively registered).

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