Abstract:

Purpose: In our study, we aimed at studying the relationship between the functional exercise capacity level, peripheral muscle strength and respiratory functions in lung transplant candidates. Tools and Methods: In our hospital's pulmonary rehabilitation center, 25 patients were included in the study referred to to to the pre-transplant rehabilitation program. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the walk distances (6DYM) for 6 minutes walk test (Group1: 6DYM<350m, n:14; Group2: 6DYM≥350m, n=11). The muscle and fat mass and percentages of the groups, the peripheral muscle forces were compared, the relationship of the level of exercise capacity with the muscle mass and respiratory functions was studied.  Results: Groups had similar demographic characteristics (age, body mass index). Muscle masses (p=,956), fatless tissue percentages (p=,956), fat masses (p=,827) and body fat percentages (p=,701) were similar. Compared to peripheral muscle forces, the knee extension, rectal fraction, and hand capture forces are similar, and the group1’s dorsiflection muscle strength (p=,039) and FEV1% (p=0,033) values are statistically lower. In the analysis of the relationship between 6DYM and other result measurements, a high level of correlation was detected with the rectal fraction (r=,483; p=,015), the dorsiflexion (r=,518; p=,008) and the muscle strength and the FEV1% (r=,514; p=,009) and the FVC% (r=,605; p=,001). The result: the exercise capacity of patients who are the candidates for lung transplant in our study is independent of the muscle and fat mass, and is affected by the muscle strength and respiratory functions. This situation suggests that the decrease in exercise capacity in this group of patients is more dependent on primary lung pathology. In order to more meaningful results, changes after rehabilitation should be examined.

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