Esra Arslan Sağanak, Aysel Yıldız Özer, Esra Yazar
Europeanatolia Health Sciences Journal - 2025;3(3):91-100
Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease -(COPD) leads to loss of function in the muscles of the upper and lower extremities, thereby negatively affecting activities of daily living and quality of life. Therefore, it is important to determine the relationships among functional capacity -assessing tests themselves and with clinical parameters. Aim: To examine the relationships between lower and upper extremity functional capacity measurements and clinical parameters according to disease severity, as well as their interrelationships, in individuals with COPD, thereby revealing the heterogeneous effects of COPD on muscle functions. Methods: Seventy-one patients diagnosed with COPD according to the GOLD 2023 criteria were received in the evaluation. The demographic characteristics of the participants were recorded. Lower extremity functional capacity was assessed using the 6-Minute Walk Test -(6MWT), while upper extremity functional capacity was evaluated with the 6-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test-(6PBRT). Clinical parameters included CAT, dyspnea and fatigue severity, pulmonary function tests, handgrip, and peripheral muscle strength. Results: The mean age was 65.4+/-9.3 years, and 42 (59.2%) of the patients were in GOLD Stage A. A moderate, positive correlation was found between 6MWT and 6PBRT (r=0.544; p<0.001). The results of 6MWT were positively associated with pulmonary function, handgrip strength, and peripheral muscle strength (p<0.05), and negatively associated with dyspnea (p<0.05). The 6MPRT was positively correlated only with handgrip strengths (p<0.05). Conclusion: In COPD, lower and upper extremity functional capacities are interrelated in a complementary manner. Studies conducted with larger sample groups may clarify the clinical value of these tests, particularly in planning pulmonary rehabilitation.
