Association between Bendopnea and physical function at discharge in patients with heart failure

Abstract

Objective: Bendopnea is a symptom characterized by dyspnea during forward bending and is considered a typical sign of congestion. However, the relationship between Bendopnea and physical function remains unclear. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between Bendopnea on discharge and physical function in patients hospitalized for heart failure.

Methods: The study included 193 patients (mean age 82.8 ± 9.0 years; 41.5% male) hospitalized with heart failure. Bendopnea was assessed at discharge. Physical function was evaluated using the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and comfortable gait speed. Multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the association between Bendopnea and physical function.

Results: Multiple regression analysis showed that Bendopnea at discharge was significantly associated with SPPB scores (B = –1.50, 95% CI: –2.62 to –0.38, p < 0.01) and comfortable gait speed (B = –0.16, 95% CI: –0.26 to –0.06, p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Bendopnea at discharge was independently associated with impaired physical function in older patients with heart failure. These findings suggest a close association between Bendopnea and the pathophysiology of heart failure, indicating that it may be a useful clinical indicator in physical function assessment.