Muscle function and functional exercise capacity during and after a severe acute exacerbation of COPD

Abstract

Background: It is suggested that acute exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) negatively impact on skeletal muscle function and exercise capacity, with limited recovery. We aim to describe muscle function and functional exercise capacity during and after a severe AECOPD, and to compare outcomes with patients with stable COPD (SCOPD). Methods: Hospitalised patients with AECOPD were assessed at day of discharge and 4 weeks after discharge. Stable patients were matched for lung function. Assessments included right quadriceps force (QF; Microfet), handgrip force (HF; Jamar) and a 6min-walk test (6MWT). This is an interim analysis of an ongoing trial. Results: We included 30 patients with AECOPD (14 male; age 68±9yrs; FEV1 42±12 %pred) and 30 patients with SCOPD (14 male; age 65±7yrs; FEV1 43±14 %pred). Data are provided in Table 1. 6MWT was lower in AECOPD compared to the assessment during SCOPD, but this difference was not significant at 4 weeks. No other significant differences were found for QF and HF. Conclusion: 6MWT, but not muscle strength, was lower at hospital discharge for AECOPD compared to patients with SCOPD patients with matched lung function. This difference was not sustained after 4 weeks of follow-up. No significant changes were observed during recovery from the AECOPD for any outcome.