The effect the pulmonary rehabilitation in rectus femoris cross-sectional area increase and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Introduction: Quadriceps weakness and decreased muscle mass in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)patients is related with mortality.We planned a pilot study to investigate the relationship between increase in rectus femoris cross-sectional area and walking distance and quality of life.

Methods: COPD patients who received pulmonary rehabilitation (PR)were assessed for exercise capacity with incrimental shuttle walking test, quality of life questionnaire before and after the PR program.Rectus femoris sectional area(RF_CSAmm2 )were measured by ultrasonography before and after the PR program.Patients received upper and lower extremity strengthening exercises, cycling, treadmill accompanied by a physical therapist.Patients were taken a total of 2 days per week for 8 week program.

Results: Mean age of patients is 66.3±5 years(1male,2 females)and mean duration of COPD is 8.6±5.5 years.Patients data before and after PR are shown in and

Conclusion: The rectus femoris cross-sectional area measurements with ultrasound may be a candidate for non-invasive method of measuring muscle mass change in PR patients.We wish to present the early results of 3 cases in this pilot study.