Relationship between BODE index score, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Background: The disease severity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be evaluated in multidimensional system with the BODE index. Higher scores indicate a higher risk of death. In addition, measures of respiratory and peripheral muscle strength are important for prognosis in COPD.

Aim: To investigate relationship between BODE index, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in COPD.

Methods: Twenty-five stable COPD patients (63.84±4.90years,13M,12F) were included. BODE index score was calculated according to FEV1, body mass index, dyspnea (Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale-mMRC), 6 minute walk test distance. Pulmonary function using a spirometer, peripheral muscle strength (hand grip) using a hand dynamometer, inspiratory and expiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP) using a mouth pressure device were evaluated.

Results: BODE index score was negatively correlated with age (r=0.436, p=0.038), FVC (%) (r=0.650, p=0.001), FEV1/FVC (r=0.628, p=0.002), PEF (%) (r=0.706, p<0.001), FEF25-75 (%) (r=0.652, p=0.001), hand grip strength (r=0.597, p=0.004), MIP (r=0.591, p=0.008), MEP (r=0.638, p=0.003).

Conclusions: According to the results of this study, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength was related to the disease severity in COPD. Improvements in respiratory and peripheral muscle strength may bring about increased survival.