Correlation between functional capacity and health-related quality of life in COPD: a case series

Karina Maria Cancelliero-Gaiad,Dirceu Costa,Fernanda Dultra Dias,Evelim Leal De Freitas Dantas Gomes,Daniela Ike,Liliana Soave

doi:10.1590/0103-5150.027.004.ao02

Abstract

Objective To correlate functional capacity test scores from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects with their functional state as assessed by health-related quality of life questionnaires (one respiratory disease-specific [SGRQ] and one generic [SF-36] questionnaire). Materials and methods Study of a case series of 8 COPD patients. The following tests were performed: 1) Six-minute walk test (6-MWT); 2) Shuttle walking test (SWT); 3) Six-minute step test (6-MST); 4) Two-minute sit-to-stand test (STST); and 5) Pegboard and ring test (PBRT). Besides these tests, two health-related quality of life questionnaires were administered: The St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and the Short Form 36 (SF-36) health survey questionnaire. The statistical analysis was carried out by using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test, while correlations were assessed using Pearson's (parametric data) or Spearman's (non-parametric data) rank tests, with p < 0.05. Results The 6-MWT showed strong correlation with the SF-36 scales of physical functioning, general health, vitality, social functioning and mental health. Conversely, the other functional capacity tests showed no correlation with this questionnaire. The SGRQ showed no correlation with any of the tests. Conclusions The 6-MWT may be a good test to reflect the health-related quality of life of COPD subjects.

Highlights

Reduced exercise capacity is a common manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The correlation between the tests and the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) and SF-36 questionnaires is shown in Table 4, and is represented by r
Regarding the other tests (PBRT, 6-minute step test (6-MST) and stand test (STST)), there are studies such as the ones by Ike et al [33] on Pegboard and Ring Test (PBRT), and by Pessoa et al [10] on 6-MST and STST, we found no studies analyzing the correlations of these tests with health-related quality of life

Summary

Introduction

Reduced exercise capacity is a common manifestation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Patients with severe COPD have great difficulty maintaining their ability to perform ADLs due to tiredness and fatigue in the upper limbs. The elevation of the upper limb increases the consumption of oxygen and production of carbon dioxide, thereby reducing the participation of shoulder girdle muscles in the ventilation of patients with COPD [2]. In this context, some tests have been currently used for the clinical diagnosis of exercise capacity and for monitoring response and progress in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs because they are considered to be a simple complementary tool

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion