One-year Changes in the Skeletal Muscle Function of Patients with Mild Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to longitudinally examine the skeletal muscle strength in skeletal muscle function and related factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) belonging to Group A of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, indicating mild disease. [Participants and Methods] Physical characteristics such as the skeletal muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass of 23 male COPD patients belonging to Group A were analyzed. [Results] Muscle mass was retained after 1 year, but grip strength had significantly reduced. There was no significant relationship between initial physical characteristics and the change in grip strength after 1 year. [Conclusion] In COPD patients in Group A, muscle weakness was observed after 1 year, and impairment appeared in the upper limbs, not in the lower limbs, indicating the presence of disease-specific skeletal muscle dysfunction.[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to longitudinally examine the skeletal muscle strength in skeletal muscle function and related factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) belonging to Group A of the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) classification, indicating mild disease. [Participants and Methods] Physical characteristics such as the skeletal muscle strength and skeletal muscle mass of 23 male COPD patients belonging to Group A were analyzed. [Results] Muscle mass was retained after 1 year, but grip strength had significantly reduced. There was no significant relationship between initial physical characteristics and the change in grip strength after 1 year. [Conclusion] In COPD patients in Group A, muscle weakness was observed after 1 year, and impairment appeared in the upper limbs, not in the lower limbs, indicating the presence of disease-specific skeletal muscle dysfunction.