Measurement of Functionality in Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Utilizing the CS-PFP

Abstract

PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to assess functionality using the Continuous-Scale Physical Functional Performance Test (CS-PFP) in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to examine the reliability of this measure. METHODS: Eleven individuals (67±10 yrs; mean±SD) with moderate COPD (Forced Expiratory Volume in one second = 57±17%) were recruited for the study. Functionality was measured using the CS-PFP which consists of tasks that simulate routine activities of daily living. Tasks range from pouring water into a cup, to climbing a simulated bus while carrying groceries. The CS-PFP consists of 5 domains: upper body strength (UBS); upper body flexibility (UBF); lower body strength (LBS); balance and coordination (BALC); and endurance (END), as well as, an overall score of functionality (CS-PFP). Of the 11 subjects, 8 agreed to be tested again within a 2-week period. During all testing heart rate and % oxygen (O2) saturations were monitored. Paired t-tests and Pearson Moment Correlations were used to compare measurements across time. Significance was accepted at p<0.05. RESULTS: All subjects performed below the predicted average threshold score for total CS-PFP of 57 units (Cress et al. Physical Ther. 2003) for healthy older adults living independently in the community (UBS:49±14; UBF: 41±11; LBS:38±14; BALC:43±13; END:44±12; CS-PFP:43±12 units). There were no significant differences in the two measurement periods between the domains of functionality and the overall score for the CS-PFP. Test-retest correlations ranged from r=0.66 to 0.90 for the different domains and r=0.83 for total CS-PFP. Although no subjects were on supplemental O2, %O2 saturations levels fell during many of the tasks (e.g. resting %O2 saturations = 96±2%; bed making task %O2 saturations = 82±8%), to levels that need to be clinically evaluated. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that the CS-PFP is a reliable tool for measuring functionality, and that individuals with COPD are functioning at low levels. Additionally, the CS-PFP may be a useful tool for clinicians to evaluate the need for supplemental O2 in persons with COPD.