The relationship between anthropometric indicators and walking distance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

BackgroundExercise intolerance is a major issue affecting many people with COPD. Six-minute walking distance (6MWD) is a widely used indicator of exercise capacity in patients with COPD. The process is strenuous and time-consuming, especially for patients who have muscle wasting. Anthropometric indicators that reflect body lean mass, such as body mass index (BMI), mid-arm circumference (MAC), and calf circumference (CC), may have value in predicting exercise intolerance.PurposeThis study attempted to determine the abilities of simple anthropometric indicators including BMI, MAC, and CC in reflecting the exercise intolerance of COPD patients.MethodsWe recruited 136 nonhospitalized ambulatory COPD patients without acute conditions from a general hospital in Taiwan. Each subject’s BMI, MAC, and CC were measured, and they were examined with pulmonary function tests and a 6-minute walk test.ResultsAmong the three anthropometric indicators examined, CC showed the strongest correlation with the 6MWD, followed by MAC and BMI. CC was also strongly associated with functional capacity, followed by MAC, according to the receiver operating characteristic curves. CC and MAC, but not BMI, were significantly associated with exercise intolerance according to logistic regression models that controlled for potential confounders.ConclusionAmong the three variables examined, CC and walking distance may have the strongest association in COPD patients. CC may have value in serving as an adjunct to 6MWD in evaluating exercise intolerance of patients with COPD.

Examining the association between anthropometric parameters and telomere length and mortality risk

“…The paper by Hsu et al showed that the CC could be applied to predict emerging care needs in older adults [ 31 ]. Moreover, the CC was significantly associated with exercise intolerance and the functional capacity in patients with chronic lung disease [ 32 ].…”

The accuracy with which the 5 times sit-to-stand test, versus gait speed, can identify poor exercise tolerance in patients with COPD

“…Prior research has primarily used values based on anthropometric indicators [26] and gait speed. [8,11] In relation to the 4MGS test, our cut-off value of 4 seconds (or 1 m/s) is consistent with previous studies.…”

“…Our findings that ordinal scores of 2 or less collected using the 5STS test, and a time over 13 seconds or more, can usefully discriminate poor 6MWT performance, are novel in this field. Prior research has primarily used values based on anthropometric indicators [ 26 ] and gait speed. [ 8 , 11 ] In relation to the 4MGS test, our cut-off value of 4 seconds (or 1 m/s) is consistent with previous studies.…”

Association between respiratory variables and exercise capacity in COPD patients

“…6,7 The causes and mechanisms of exercise intolerance in these patients are still complex and involve respiratory function, gas exchange limitations and reduced peripheral skeletal muscle mass. 9,10 Thus, it is extremely important to identify and understand what changes in pulmonary volumes and reduction of respiratory muscle strength may impact the submaximal and maximal exercise capacity in patients with moderate -very severe COPD. Our aim was to evaluate the influence and association of respiratory variables (pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength) on maximal and submaximal exercise capacity of patients with COPD.…”