Identification of the 4-Metre Gait Speed Cutoff Point for Preserving Exercise Capacity in Patients with Pre-COPD and PRISm

• Grant number: 24/07227-5
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2025
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Suzana Erico Tanni
• Grantee: Bianca Silva Costa
• 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 an inflammatory and heterogeneous condition that affects the airways, causing irreversible damage. It is also multisystemic, meaning it involves alterations in various organ systems, such as the musculoskeletal system. Consequently, this impairment affects physical exercise capacity, potentially leading to reduced tolerance for physical activities and a constant feeling of breathlessness during routine activities, regardless of the severity of the disease. Additionally, the concepts of pre-COPD and PRISm (Preserved Ratio Impaired Spirometry) represent pathological states associated with an increased risk of developing COPD. Recent studies indicate that, although not always the case, these conditions may serve as risk markers for COPD. Objective: Identify a cutoff point for assessing exercise capacity preservation in patients with pre-COPD and PRISm using the 4-meter gait speed. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study that will include 75 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COPD, pre-COPD, and PRISm, as well as 25 healthy individuals in the control group. Patients will have a muscular assessment by multifrequency bioimpedance, respiratory capacity by maximal strength of both inspiration and expiration, quality of life will be assessed by the Saint George Hospital Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (SGRQ), dyspnea assessment will be carried out. using the scale developed by the Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and physical capacity will be assessed by the six-minute walk test and 4-meter gait speed. Expected results: identification of associations between body composition through anthropometry, electrical bioimpedance and the physical performance of patients with COPD, Pre-COPD and PRISm through the 6-minute walk test and the 4-meter gait speed. This will expand the ability to analyze patients' physical efforts and add new tests that will be used in clinical practice.