Relationship between respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity and quality of life in pre-operative cardiac surgery patients

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength, functional capacity, physical activity, and quality of life in preoperative cardiac surgery patients.Forty eight preoperative cardiac surgery patients (mean age 59.79±10.29 years, 40 M, 8 F, FEV1: 79.52±17.02%) participated in this study. Pulmonary function tests and respiratory muscle strength (MIP and MEP) were performed. Physical activity level was measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Quality of life was determined using Nottingham Health Profile (NHP). Functional capacity was assessed using six-minute walk test (6MWT).The MIP was significantly correlated with 6MWT distance (r = 0.31, p<0.05). Respiratory muscle strength was not significantly correlated with quality of life and physical activity level (p>0.05). Total physical activity level was significantly related with NHP total score (r = -0.35, p<0.05), NHP emotional stress dimension (r = -0.32, p<0.05), NHP pain dimension (r = -0.35, p<0.05), NHP energy dimension (r = -0.29, p<0.05), NHP physical activity dimension (r = -0.37, p<0.05). The NHP physical activity dimension was significantly correlated with 6MWT distance (r = -0.29, p<0.05).Inspiratory muscle strength is related to functional capacity in preoperative cardiac surgery patients. Quality of life is related with physical activity level and functional capacity in these patients.