TY - JOUR T1 - Different markers of lung mechanics in pulmonary rehabilitation JF - European Respiratory Journal JO - Eur Respir J VL - 44 IS - Suppl 58 SP - P623 AU - Zsuzsanna Balogh AU - Maria Kerti AU - Janos Varga Y1 - 2014/09/01 UR - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P623.abstract N2 - Rationale: Lung mechanics and chest wall kinematics including rib cage distortion has relationship with breathlessness and exercise capacity as well. Change of chest expansion as an indirect marker may have relationship with lung mechanics in patients with COPD.Materials and methods: 97 patients with COPD (FEV1: 44±19 %pred, GOLD stage II:35, III:31, IV:31, age: 65±9 years) participated in this study. Patients performed a complex pulmonary rehabilitation program with chest wall-stretching, controlled breathing techniques and training, and personalized exercise training 2-3 times for 20-30 minutes per day by cycling and treadmill. Intensity increased between 60-80% of maximal exercise capacity based on symptoms for 6 weeks. 6 minutes walking distance (6MWD), Modified Medical Research Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), lung function and chest wall expansion were measured.Results: Rehabilitation resulted improvement in six minutes walking distance (6MWD: 357±65 vs. 417±62m, p<0,05), dyspnea score (mMRC: 2,2±0,4 vs. 1,4±0,4, p<0,05) and chest expansion (CE:3,5±1,1 vs. 5,1±1,5cm, p<0,05). FEV1 did not change significantly (44±19 vs. 47±21 %pred). The change of chest expansion, inspiratory- (IRV) and expiratory reserve volume (ERV) did correlate with change of 6 minute walking distance (CE: R2=21, IRV: R2=0,29, ERV: R2=0,25; p<0,05).Conclusion: Chest expansion as a simple measurement may add valuable information in terms of lung mechanics and rib cage distortions. Strength of correlations showed the importance of other factors compared to lung mechanics to contribute to exercise tolerance as well. ER -