TY - JOUR T1 - Recovery of the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) following an acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - P3684 AU - Gail Dechman AU - Denise Wigerius AU - Paul Hernandez Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P3684.abstract N2 - Background: AECOPD decreases lung function, increases dyspnea and muscle weakness and makes physical activity difficult. Performing ADL can be difficult during recovery. Purpose: An observational study to objectively measure the ability to perform ADL following AECOPD. Methods: Subjects with AECOPD completed the 10 item Physical Functional Performance Test (PFP) and CRQ quality of life questionnaire, at hospital discharge and at 1 and 2 months post-discharge. The PFP assesses 5 physical capacity domains based on the time and weight carried during 10 typical ADL, including the 6 minute walk test (6MWT). Results shown are the mean +/- (SD). Results: 24 subjects (13 males), age 72.5 (9.5) years, FEV1 %predicted 45 (20), were recruited during hospital admission for AECOPD. 88% had > 2 co-morbidities. All were community dwelling: 17 lived with a spouse or family member, 7 lived alone.14 subjects had a new AECOPD during the 2-month follow-up (f/u). 10 subjects completed both f/u assessments, 4 lived alone. In these 10 subjects, spirometry and lung volumes were stable throughout the study. The PFP score increased from discharge to the 1st f/u visit and then plateaued. At discharge, 5/10 subjects attempted the 6MWT. All completed the test at the 1st f/u. The distance increased from 174 (118) m to 233 (109) m at the 1st f/u and then plateaued. Clinically significant improvements in the CRQ scores occurred between discharge and the 1st f/u. Conclusion: At our institution, community dwelling elderly subjects admitted to hospital with AECOPD were frail and prone to re-exacerbation. In this group, recovery of the ability to perform ADL plateaued at 1 month after discharge. ER -