Functional Tests in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Part 1: Clinical Relevance and Links to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and an important cause of disability. A thorough patient-centered outcome assessment, including not only measures of lung function, exercise capacity, and health-related quality of life, but also functional capacity and performance in activities of daily life, is imperative for a comprehensive management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. This American Thoracic Society Seminar Series is devoted to help clinicians substantiate their choice of functional outcome measures in this population. In Part 1 of this two-part seminar series, we describe the various domains of functional status to elucidate terms and key concepts intertwined with functioning and to demonstrate the clinical relevance of assessing functional capacity in the context of activities of daily living in agreement with the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. We hope that a better understanding of the various defining components of functional status will be instrumental to healthcare providers to optimize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease evaluation and management, ultimately leading to improved quality of life of patients afflicted by this condition. This first article also serves as an introduction to Part 2 of this seminar series, in which the main functional tests available to assess upper and lower body functional capacity of these patients are discussed.

A Pervasive Healthcare System for COPD Patients

“…The generated dataset comprises most of the main activities and their related actions that are deduced according to the patient's ability to perform activities of daily living either with or without the help of others. Based on this framework, Bui [82] discussed the physical capacity for various body structures and functions of COPD patients, while Alda [83] studied the association between activities and participation components and the grades of patients' airflow limitation. In the same context, Marilyn [84] showed the types of physical activities performed by COPD patients.…”

Prognostic value of simple measures of physical function and muscle strength in COPD: A systematic review

“…The strength of this review is that it compiles, in a systematic manner, information on the predictive validity of simple measures of physical function and muscle strength in relation to exacerbation, hospitalization and mortality in individuals with COPD. Previous reviews had focused on the clinical value and psychometric properties of these tests [8,9,11] but to the best of our knowledge, no review had compiled information on the prognostic value of these tests.…”

“…In recent years, there has been an increased interest in simple measures of physical function and muscle strength that can be used in all clinical settings to assess individuals with COPD and predict their prognosis [8,9]. These "simpler" tests require less time for the professional and patient to conduct; some require less space; and some have potential suitability in more frail patients [10].…”

Targeting Limb Muscle Dysfunction in COPD

“…Several different functional tests have been used in people with COPD, with field walking tests and different versions of the sit to stand test, being the most common in recent years [62,83].…”