Relationship of muscle strength with activities of daily living and quality of life in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Relação das forças musculares com as atividades da vida diária e qualidade de vida em indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

Abstract

Introduction:

Few activities of daily living (ADLs) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are tolerated because they are associated with ventilatory and metabolic changes. Simply lifting the upper limb muscle requires changes, resulting in thoracic abdominal asynchrony, increased dyspnea, and can interfere with quality of life (QoL).

Objective:

to relate the muscle strength of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip with the degree of dyspnea in ADLs and secondarily correlate them with QoL in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Materials and Methods:

Nine male subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease III and IV (COPDG) and nine healthy, sedentary male individuals - control group (CG) were evaluated. All patients underwent the following evaluations: Pulmonary function, muscle strength of shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip, and questionnaires.

Results:

In the intergroup analysis found that the spirometric variables of the COPDG were significantly lower compared to the CG. Intragroup analysis for measures of muscle strength, found significant difference for shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip between both groups (COPDG) with lower mean (CG). Only the shoulder girdle had a positive correlation with ADL's and QoL.

Conclusion:

COPDG individuals, in addition to having pulmonary compromise, showed a significant decrease in muscle strength of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip when compared to the CG. Only the shoulder girdle strength was positively correlated with the level of dyspnea in ADL's in QoL. Thus, pulmonary rehabilitation is an important tool for strengthening these muscles, possibly providing a positive impact on the degree of dyspnea during ADLs and reflecting on QoL.

Keywords:
COPD; Muscle strength; ADL´s; QoL; Shoulder girdle.

Resumo

Introdução:

As atividades da vida diária (AVD's) na doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica(DPOC) são poucas toleradas pelo fato de estarem associadas a alterações ventilatórias e metabólicas. A simples elevação dos membros superiores altera o recrutamento muscular, resultando em assincronia toracoabdominal, aumento da dispneia, podendo interferir na sua qualidade de vida (QV).

Objetivo:

relacionar as forças musculares da cintura escapular(CE), tronco(T) e preensão palmar(PP) com os graus de dispneia nas AVD´s e secundariamente correlacioná-las com a QV em indivíduos com DPOC.

Materiais e Métodos:

Foram avaliados 09 indivíduos com DPOC (III e IV) do sexo masculino - grupo DPOC (GDPOC) e 09 indivíduos saudáveis sedentários - grupo controle (GC). Todos foram submetidos às seguintes avaliações: prova de função pulmonar, forças musculares da CE, T, PP e questionários.

Resultados:

Na análise intergrupos constatou que as variáveis espirométricas do GDPOC foram significativamente menores comparados aos do GC. Na análise intragrupo, para as medidas das forças musculares, observou-se diferença significativa para PP, T e CE entre ambos os grupos (GDPOC com média menor que GC). Somente na força da CE houve correlação positiva com as AVD´s e QQV.

Conclusão:

Concluímos que indivíduos do GDPOC possuem, além do comprometimento pulmonar, apresentam diminuição significativa da força muscular da CE, T e PP quando comparado ao GC. Somente na força da CE houve correlação positiva com os graus de dispneia nas AVD´s e na QV. Sendo assim, a reabilitação pulmonar é um importante instrumento para o fortalecimento dessa musculatura proporcionando possivelmente um impacto positivo nos graus de dispneia durante as AVD´s e refletindo na QV. [K]

Palavras-chave:
DPOC; Força muscular; Cintura escapular; Qualidade de vida; AVD's.

Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is defined as a preventable and treatable, but not fully reversible, respiratory disease characterized by chronic airflow obstruction. The airway obstruction is usually progressive and is associated with abnormal pulmonary inflammatory response against chronic particles or toxic gases, especially cigarette smoke ¹. It affects between 5-15% of the adult population ². Although the lungs are affected, diverse systemic manifestations are found.

The changes are airway inflammation and destruction of the lung parenchyma. These modifications contribute to the main disease marker, which is airflow limitation. However, the clinical picture and the impact on the general state of the patient's health are influenced by systemic manifestations, and reinforce the need for a multidimensional approach involving all components of the disease ³.

Studies have shown that patients present weight loss, and a loss of lean body mass resulting in peripheral muscle dysfunction, decreased muscle strength, exercise tolerance, with a reduction in muscle strength proportional to the reduction in muscle mass ^4,5,6, in addition to respiratory muscle weakness ⁷.

Simple activities of daily living (ADLs) in COPD, requiring the use of the upper limbs and trunk, are poorly tolerated as they are associated with significant ventilatory and metabolic disorders ^8,9. The simple lifting of upper extremities affects ventilatory and postural muscle recruitment, resulting in thoracoabdominal asynchrony, an increased dyspnea sensation in a short period of time ¹⁰, stopping the exercise at lower loads ¹¹, and may interfere with their quality of life (QoL) ¹².

Muscle strength can be defined as the maximum amount of force that a muscle or muscle group can generate for a specific pattern of movement; it is considered an important physical capacity for physical conditioning not only for athletes, but also for non-athletic individuals ¹³. In this context, various forms of muscle strength assessment have been proposed, both mechanical as well as manual ¹⁴; among them, the dynamometers of shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip.

Whereas there are no studies that have used the dynamometers of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip in COPD related to the degree of dyspnea on ADLs and QoL, this study aimed to relate the muscle forces of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip with the degree of dyspnea in ADLs, and secondarily to correlate them with the QoL in individuals with COPD.

Material and methods

Casuistic

Nine volunteers of the male - COPD group (COPDG) were assessed, with stage III and IV COPD, according to Gold, ¹⁵. In addition, for comparative parameters, nine healthy, sedentary volunteers who belonged to the control group (CG) were evaluated, as demonstrated in Table 1. The evaluations were performed on different days at the Maria da Glória Clinic, in the Pulmonology and Phthisiology of the Federal University of Triangulo Mineiro (UFTM).

Inclusion criteria were: forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) < 50% of expected, and forced expiratory volume ratio in one second by forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) < 70%, verified by post-bronchodilator spirometry (BDS); age less than 50 years; in stable clinical condition, without periods of exacerbation of the disease and without respiratory infections for at least one month before the initial evaluation; sedentary; no smokers or former smokers, receiving medical treatment; body mass index (BMI) < 30 kg/m².

Two sample volunteers were excluded, one of the COPDG and one of the CG group who had cardiovascular, neurological and/or osteoarticular diseases that prevented a safe performance of evaluations.

All volunteers who agreed to participate in the evaluations were informed about the research project characteristics, number: 18218, and could choose either to participate or not to do so, without any prejudice or onus, signing an informed consent as required by Resolution 196/96 of the National Health Council. In this research no volunteers received any financial aid.

Experimental Procedure

The evaluations were performed on different days, and at random, by two trained examiners. The volunteers underwent the following ratings: pulmonary function, muscle strength of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip, and they answered four questionnaires as part of an interview (level of dyspnea, physical activity level, degree of dyspnea in ADLs, and QOL) .

Pulmonary function test (spirometry).

Spirometry is an important evaluation parameter for the classification of patients according to the severity of lung obstruction. It was performed using a spirometer of the Vitalograph^(r) brand, model 8600.

The equipment was calibrated periodically and tests were performed only by a trained and qualified examiner with instructions and standardized voice command, as per the regulations recommended by the First Brazilian Consensus on Spirometry ¹⁶.

Volunteers remained seated during tests, with their feet resting on the floor, with their back against the chair, and using a nasal clip ¹⁷.

The test was a compound of a slow vital capacity maneuver (SVC), forced vital capacity (FVC); for each maneuver at least three trials were performed, with the best trial accepted and recorded by the machine.

The spirometric results were expressed in graduated volume-time graphs, in liters and seconds, with vital capacity values, FVC, FEV1 and peak expiratory flow obtained.

According to Pereira et. al., the values of this research were expressed in percentage of the predicted value, according to the age, height, gender, race and weight of each individual ¹⁶.

Hand grip strength

For hand grip evaluation, a grip dynamometer was used, of the Crown^(r) brand, with a capacity of 50 kilogram-force (kgf). The volunteers were placed in the sitting position without support for the arms, with hips and knees flexed to 90°, and their feet flat on the floor. The shoulders were adducted and in neutral position for rotation, elbow in a 90 degree flexion, forearm and wrist in a neutral position ¹⁸.

After positioning, volunteers performed three maneuvers of maximum gripping, with the dominant hand; to avoid muscle fatigue there was one minute of rest between attempts. The results were expressed as kgf, with a mean of the three measurements.

Trunk Strength

The trunk force was measured by lumbar dynamometry. Lumbar dynamometry was performed using a Crown^(r) brand unit with a capacity of 200 kgf. To perform the lumbar traction, volunteers were positioned standing on the dynamometer platform with the knees completely extended and the trunk flexed slightly forward, forming an angle of 120 degrees. The feet and head followed the extension of the trunk, staring forward. Volunteers were instructed to position themselves with elbows extended, holding the bar with both hands apart, at a distance equal to the bitrocanteric diameter. After positioning, they were guided to apply the greatest strength in the muscles of the lower back, trying to avoid to the maximum the use of the muscles of the upper and lower limbs.

Three attempts of maximum strength were conducted with the contractions maintained between 3 - 5 seconds, with an interval of two minutes between trials ¹⁹.

Shoulder girdle strengthening

Scapular strength was measured through a scapular dynamometer. To measure the scapular strength, the scapular dynamometer with a capacity of 50 kgf, from the Crown^(r) brand, was used. Individuals were instructed to position themselves in a standing position, increasing their support base with their hips slightly abducted. Individuals held the dynamometer with both hands, at the height of the sternum, with flexed elbows and shoulders abducted and internally rotated. After positioning, they were instructed to pull the arms to perform a shoulder abduction, maintaining the contraction for 3 to 5 seconds. Three attempts were performed, with an interval of one minute between them. The tests began with the pointer at zero and with arms supported.

Volunteers were monitored for heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen saturation during the tests. In case of any complications, a pulmonologist physician would be requested.

Level of dyspnea in activities of daily living (ADLs)

The London Chest Activity of Daily Living scale (LCADL) ²⁰ was used with the domains of personal care, domestic activities, physical activities, leisure activities, and total score. The higher the score, the higher the dyspnea limitation to perform the ADLs. The Modified Score Medical Research Council scale (MRC) ²¹ to establish the level of dyspnea in daily life was also used. This five point scale is based on different activities that may result in the sensation of dyspnea. The higher the score, the more disability was present.

Quality of Life (QoL) - Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ)

The Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) was used to measure QoL, being specific for individuals with this disease, and because it is validated in the Portuguese language. The SGRQ is divided into three domains: symptoms, activity and psychosocial impact of the disease. The score was calculated for each domain, and the total score was the sum of the scores of the three domains ²²; the higher the score, the worse the quality of life.

Physical Activity Level

The International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Short Form (IPAQ-SF) has four questions to assess the level of physical activity, and was applied,by two trained examiners to individuals of both groups (COPDG and CG).

Statistical analysis

The Shapiro-Wilk test was conducted in order to verify the normality of the data distribution. Descriptive statistics were applied to characterize the sample, and the data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation. For intergroup analysis, the independent Student t-test was used and, for intra-group analysis, the paired Student t-test was used, in addition to the Pearson correlation coefficient. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 13.0, was the statistical program used. The accepted significance level was 5%.

Results

Demographic, anthropometric, spirometric and Saturation of Peripheral Oxygen (SpO₂) of the COPDG and CG individuals are shown in Table 1. In the intergroup analysis, the COPDG spirometric variables were significantly lower when compared to CG, indicating obstruction of the airways. The level of physical activity, verified by time of walking (in minutes), moderate and intense activities, and of all activities performed in the week (Table 2), did not show any difference between groups.

Muscle strength: Shoulder Girdle, Trunk and Hand Grip

Table 1
Characteristics of the studied subjects

• Note: COPDG: COPD group; CG: control group; cm: centimeter; kg: kilogram; Kg / m²: kilograms per meter squared; L: liter; %: Percentage; BMI = body mass index; FEV1 = forced expiratory volume in one second; FVC = forced vital capacity; SpO2 = Saturation of peripheral oxygen. * Statistically significant difference (independent t-test) (p < 0.05) intergroup.

Table 2
Physical activity in COPDG and CG

The measurement of muscle strength in intragroup analysis, did not show significant difference in the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip between groups, but the COPDG had a lower mean when compared to CG (Table 3).

Table 3
Mean and standard deviation of muscle strength of hand grip, trunk and shoulder girdle of subjects studied

• Note: COPDG: COPD group; CG: control group; Kg/f: kilogram force; *: Statistically significant difference (paired t-test) (p < 0.05) intragroups.

Muscle strength correlation with scores of Dyspnea Levels in ADLs, and QoL and the MRC

Only the shoulder girdle strength was positively correlated with the level of dyspnea in ADLs and QoL (Table 4).

Table 4
Correlation of muscle strength versus ADLs, QoL, MRC

• Note: COPDG: COPD group; Kg/f: kg force; ADLs: activities of daily living; QoL: questionnaire of quality of life; MRC: Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnea scale; NS: not significant; *: Significant; r: Pearson correlation with significance level of p < 0.05.

Discussion

The spirometric intergroup analysis of variables in the COPDG were significantly lower when compared to the CG, characterizing airway obstruction. In addition, the level of physical activity, verified by time (in minutes) of walking, of moderate and intense activities, and total activities performed in the week, showed no significant difference between groups.

A significant difference was found for shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip between the groups in the intragroup analysis for muscle strength measures, and the COPDG had a lower average when compared to the CG.

Musculoskeletal strength in COPD has been the subject of research as one of the systemic manifestations of this disease. Its connection with the patient's QoL and its impact on the performance of ADLs is discussed. Literature does not show studies associating the strength of shoulder girdle, hand grip and trunk to the level of dyspnea on ADLs and the impact on QoL, which justified this research. Through its results, the existence of a relationship between the strength of the shoulder girdle with the level of dyspnea on ADLs and QoL could be established.

This finding may be explained by the use of upper limb muscles in the shoulder girdle test, which in turn belongs to the group of accessory muscles used for respiration.

According to Baarends et. al., ²³, activities such as hair combing, brushing teeth or shaving involve shoulder muscles without support and upper limbs, and many of these muscles are still part of the accessory muscles of respiration.

Criner and Celli ¹¹ realized that breathing becomes ineffective in patients with COPD during activities involving upper limbs, as accessory muscles of breathing are recruited to stabilize the shoulder girdle. As a result, there is an overload of the diaphragm. In patients with COPD, dynamic hyperinflation (DH) generates the lowering of the diaphragm, losing its ability to contract, so chest muscles become more important to generate inspiratory pressure. Dynamic hyperinflation has been the subject of scientific research since it is an important aggravating factor in patients with COPD, favoring dyspnea and limiting their ability to perform physical exercise ^24,25, even the simplest activities of daily life routine, ^{26) (27} which has a negative effect on the patient's ADLs.

Patients with COPD in advanced stages have limited exercise tolerance, restricting their ADLs. ^28,29,30

The peripheral muscle atrophy and weakness, which are common in COPD, are associated with reduced physical capacity. ^28,29,30 This study demonstrates a significant difference between the COPDG and CG when comparing the musculoskeletal forces. Sedentary lifestyle of the patient with COPD, the manifestations of the disease itself, and the deficit in performing ADLs are among causes of strength difference between the two groups, which leads to a vicious circle of ADLs with physical inactivity and decreased peripheral muscle strength.

Conclusions

The conclusions of this study show that COPDG individuals have a significant decrease in muscle strength of the shoulder girdle, trunk and hand grip, in addition to pulmonary impairment, when compared to CG individuals. Only the strength of the shoulder girdle was positively correlated with the degree of dyspnea in ADLs and QoL.

Study limitation

Some limitations of this study are related to the small number of individuals who comprised both groups, and the absence of a COPD control group.

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Publication Dates

• Publication in this collection
  Jan-Mar 2016

History

• Received
  06 Sept 2013
• Accepted
  26 June 2015