Correlation Analysis between Diaphragmatic Contraction and Gait Speed in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.

• Grant number: 24/15653-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: November 30, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Medical Clinics
• Principal Investigator: Suzana Erico Tanni
• Grantee: Gabriel de Godoy Artiga
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Medicina (FMB). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Botucatu. Botucatu , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is characterized as a multisystemic, inflammatory, and heterogeneous condition that compromises the airways causing irreversible damage, which implies alterations in several systems, such as the musculoskeletal. Therefore, there is impairment of the ability to practice physical exercises, and may even develop a tolerance to physical activities, in addition to the constant feeling of dyspnea in habitual practices, regardless of the severity of the disease. Objective: To correlate gait speed with diaphragmatic function in individuals diagnosed with COPD. Methods: This was a cross-sectional clinical study with participants aged 40 years or older diagnosed with COPD (mild-very severe) confirmed by spirometry (FEV1/FVC <0.7). After signing the Informed Consent Form, clinical assessment, and diaphragmatic muscle evaluation will be performed through ultrasonography, to obtain data on thickness, mobility, and speed of diaphragmatic contraction in transverse and longitudinal planes. Physical exercise capacity will be assessed by the 4-meter gait speed test. Expected results: To identify associations between muscle structure and physical performance in individuals with COPD, as well as with their clinical variables, thus providing data on the impact of the disease on peripheral muscles, improving our understanding of the physical-functional impact, in addition to the possibility of reformulating rehabilitation and early intervention guidelines in the different degrees of disease severity.