Abstract
Background: Physical activity is reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and this has been associated with systemic inflammation and left cardiac disfunction (Magnussen et al, AJRCCM 2008)
Aim: To assess the predictors of physical activity, expressed as daily steps, in COPD patients.
Subject and methods: In a cross sectional study 45 COPD (FEV1%: 52±17.1, 34 male) underwent: physical activity evaluation by Armband (as a mean of a 7-day monitoring period), pulmonary function tests (PFT), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) with assessment of dynamic hyperinflation, arterial blood analysis, Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), comorbidity index (CIRS), dyspnea scale (MRC), body composition by bioelectrical impedance analysis, Pro-BNP, inflammatory cells in blood and sputum.
Results: Multivariate linear regression analysis stepwise method were performed using daily steps as dependent variable.
The severity of dyspnea (MRC) and the free fat mass (FFM%) explained 43% of the variance of the physical activity, while other physiologic and biologic markers did not have additive effects.
Conclusion: Dyspnea and nutritional status are extra-pulmonary parameters that play a relevant role in the limitation of the physical activity level in COPD patients.
- © 2011 ERS