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Published on: August 24, 2019
Pain and physical performance in people with COPD
Bahareh HajGhanbari1, S Jayne Garland, Jeremy D Road
1Department of Physical Therapy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada; Muscle Biophysics Laboratory, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Respiratory Medicine
|July 13, 2013
Summary
Pain significantly impacts Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) patients, reducing exercise capacity and physical activity. Early pain assessment is crucial for managing COPD and improving quality of life.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Pain Management
- Rehabilitation Science
Background:
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is frequently associated with significant pain.
- This pain can substantially impair daily activities and overall quality of life for patients.
- Understanding the relationship between pain and functional status in COPD is critical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pain severity and functional exercise capacity in COPD patients.
- To examine the relationship between pain and objectively measured physical activity levels.
- To assess the link between pain and muscle performance, specifically maximal knee extensor torque.
Main Methods:
- Twenty-six individuals with moderate to severe COPD participated in the study.
- Pain was assessed using the McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI).
- Functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk test), physical activity (accelerometry), and knee extensor muscle function were evaluated.
Main Results:
- Pain severity showed a negative correlation with the 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and quality of life.
- Higher pain levels were associated with increased body mass index (BMI) and a greater number of comorbidities.
- Patients with severe pain exhibited lower activity times, reduced 6MWT performance, and poorer quality of life.
Conclusions:
- Pain in COPD patients is linked to diminished functional exercise capacity, decreased physical activity, and elevated BMI.
- Pain negatively influences physical activity engagement and the quality of life in individuals with COPD.
- Integrating early pain evaluation into COPD assessment and treatment plans is recommended.
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