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Pulmonary Function Tests

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Published on: July 5, 2017

Pulmonary function, muscle strength, and incident mobility disability in elders.

Aron S Buchman¹, Patricia A Boyle, Sue E Leurgans

¹Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, 600 South Paulina Street, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Aron_S_Buchman@rush.edu

Proceedings of the American Thoracic Society

|November 26, 2009

Summary

Pulmonary function and muscle strength, including leg and respiratory muscles, are independently linked to mobility disability in elders. Maintaining these functions may help prevent mobility loss and preserve independence in older adults.

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Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

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Published on: August 24, 2019

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Last Updated: Jun 18, 2026

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Improving Strength, Power, Muscle Aerobic Capacity, and Glucose Tolerance through Short-term Progressive Strength Training Among Elderly People

Published on: July 5, 2017

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Published on: August 24, 2019

Area of Science:

Gerontology
Pulmonology
Kinesiology

Background:

Muscle strength (leg and respiratory) and pulmonary function are associated with mobility disability in elders.
The specific mechanisms linking muscle strength to mobility disability remain unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

To test the hypothesis that pulmonary function mediates the association between muscle strength and the development of mobility disability in older adults.

Main Methods:

Longitudinal cohort study of 844 ambulatory elders without dementia.
Pulmonary function assessed via spirometry (FVC, FEV, PEF).
Muscle strength measured using maximal inspiratory/expiratory pressure and hand-held dynamometry.
Mobility disability defined by gait speed (≤0.55 m/s) and time to loss of ambulation.

Main Results:

Pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, and leg strength were each independently associated with incident mobility disability (P < 0.001).
When analyzed together, all three factors remained significant predictors of mobility disability.
Hazard ratios indicated reduced risk of mobility disability with higher pulmonary function and muscle strength.

Conclusions:

Lower pulmonary function and muscle strength are independently associated with increased risk of mobility disability in the elderly.
These findings highlight the importance of respiratory and leg muscle strength, alongside pulmonary function, in maintaining mobility in older adults.