Investigation of Relationship Between Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Physical Activity and Endurance Capacity in Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract

<b>Background:</b> Peripheral muscle strength and physical activity levels of patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH) are lower than healthy individuals. Decreased peripheral muscle strength can lead to fatigue and increased perception of exertion which may cause decreased endurance in patients with PH. <b>Objective:</b> This study aimed to determine the relationship between lower extremity muscle strength, physical activity level and endurance capacity in patients with PH. <b>Methods:</b> 27 patients (5 CTEPH, 22 IPH) who were diagnosed as PH included in the study. Quadriceps and iliopsoas muscle strengths were measured with a dynamometer. Physical activity was assessed with activity monitor and total energy consumption was recorded. Endurance capacity was determined by Endurance Shuttle Walking Test (ESWT). Before and after ESWT, dyspnea and leg fatigue symptoms were questioned with a modified Borg scale. <b>Results:</b> There were correlations found between quadriceps muscle strength and total energy consumption and, iliopsoas muscle strength and leg fatigue symptom (r=0.439, p=0.025, r=-0.385, p=0.047, respectively). No correlations were found between endurance capacity and lower extremity muscle strength and physical activity (p&gt;0.05). <b>Conclusion:</b> In this study, it was found that the decrease in lower extremity muscle strength affected physical activity level and leg fatigue in PH. Relationship between lower extremity muscle strength, physical activity and endurance capacity should be evaluated with a larger sample size. In future studies, the effects of structured physical activity programs on lower extremity muscle strength and leg fatigue in PH may be investigated.