Exercise capacity and muscle strength influences in geriatric individuals with COPD

Abstract

Introduction: COPD is a common disease and an important health care problem in older adults.The elderly population is projected to grow significantly; hence, the number of elderly COPD patients is expected to increase. Therefore the impact of age and specific geriatric issues on COPD in elderly patients has not been well established. Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate exercise capacity and muscle strength influences in geriatric individual with COPD. Methods: Patients were categorized into geriatric group (n=20, median age=74.00) and non-geriatric group (n=20, median age=58.00).Pulmonary function test was performed. Patients9 respiratory muscle strength was assessed by measuring maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures (MIP and MEP). Peripheral muscle strength (knee extension, shoulder flexion, shoulder abduction, elbow flexion and hand grip strength) was measured by hand held dynamometer and handgrip. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated by the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and the 6-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test (6PBRT).The statistical evaluation was performed using the SPSS version 20.0.The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare differences between two independent groups. Results: 6MWT distance (p=0.013), 6PBRT scores (p=0.008), MIP (p=0.034), shoulder flexion strength (p=0.009), shoulder abduction strength (p=0.46) and elbow flexion strength (p=0.004) were significantly higher in non-geriatric group than geriatric group. Conclusions: Exercise capacity and muscle strength were significantly lower in geriatric group than non-geriatric group. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which are in geriatric patients with COPD should be planned taking into account these disadvantages.