The effect of co-existent chronic heart failure (CHF) on lower limb muscle function in COPD: Propensity matched analysis

Abstract

Background: Skeletal muscle dysfunction, particularly of the lower limbs, is well documented in both COPD and CHF. We hypothesized that co-existent CHF would have a negative impact upon lower limb muscle function in COPD. Methods: 40 patients with COPD+CHF (mean ejection fraction 39%) were matched to 40 COPD patients using propensity score matching taking into account age, sex, FEV1% and BMI. Quadriceps maximum voluntary contraction (QMVC), lower limb muscle performance measures (5 repetition sit to stand (5STS), 4 metre gait speed (4MGS)), exercise capacity (incremental shuttle walk (ISW)) and self-reported daily physical activity levels were compared. Results: Self-reported daily physical activity was similar between groups. No significant between group differences were seen in QMVC, 5STS, 4MGS or ISW (Table 1). Conclusion: Co-existence of CHF did not impact on lower limb muscle strength or function in COPD. Skeletal muscle dysfunction in COPD and CHF may be due to a common aetiological factor (e.g. physical inactivity) rather than disease-specific factors.