Does hand grip strength decrease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation? A cross-sectional study

Zeynep Turan,Özden Özyemi̇şçi̇ Taşkiran,Gülçin Kaymak Karataş,Zeynep Erden,Nurdan Köktürk

doi:10.3906/sag-1811-22

Abstract

Background/aim Respiratory and peripheral muscle strength are reduced in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There is a well-known correlation between handgrip strength (HGS) and strenght extremity muscles. Our aim in this study was to measure HGS and investigate the related factors in COPD patients with exacerbation.Materials and methods Subjects with COPD exacerbation (n = 101) and stable COPD (n = 22), and subjects without COPD (n = 201), were enrolled in this study. Age, sex, and body mass index were similar. HGS was measured using a Vigorimeter. Pulmonary function tests and 6-min walk tests were performed.Results The mean HGS was significantly lower in subjects with COPD exacerbation than those with stable COPD and subjects without COPD. The mean HGS was similar between stable COPD and non-COPD subjects. The mean 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was significantly lower in subjects with COPD exacerbation than stable COPD. There was a significant correlation between HGS and 6MWD but no correlation between HGS and pulmonary function tests.Conclusion In subjects with COPD exacerbation, the HGS was lower than that of stable COPD patients, and this difference was not explained by age, comorbidities, severity of obstruction, or smoking. Physical inactivity and steroid use during exacerbation might be possible factors affecting HGS. HGS was moderately correlated with 6MWD in cases of exacerbation. It may be used as a measure of muscle performance in COPD exacerbation, especially when the 6-min walk test cannot be performed.

Highlights

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has several systemic manifestations, including skeletal muscle dysfunction, which increases the risk of morbidity and mortality [1]
The mean Handgrip strength (HGS) was significantly lower in subjects with COPD exacerbation than those with stable COPD and subjects without COPD
In subjects with COPD exacerbation, the HGS was lower than that of stable COPD patients, and this difference was not explained by age, comorbidities, severity of obstruction, or smoking

Summary

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has several systemic manifestations, including skeletal muscle dysfunction, which increases the risk of morbidity and mortality [1]. The strength of skeletal and respiratory muscles is reduced in COPD compared to the normal population [1,2,3,4]. The weakness of the quadriceps muscle is observed in 70% of subjects with chronic lung disease [3] and is more prominent than weakness of upper extremity muscles such as the pectoralis major and latissimus dorsi in COPD [5]. Maximal strength of the diaphragm is 30% to 40% lower in cases of COPD [1].

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