The Relationships Between Muscle Power and Physical Activity in Older Men With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The purpose of this study was to determine the potential relationship between muscle power of the lower extremities and the physical activity in older men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Forty-four men (70.3 ± 6.7 years old) with moderate-to-severe COPD completed the 6-min walk test (6MWT), BODE (body mass index, obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise), a one-repetition maximum strength of the quadriceps femoris (1RM_QF), and muscle power at 50% and 70% 1RM_QF. Physical activity was measured using an accelerometer. The 6MWT was associated with muscle power at 50% 1RM_QF (r = .40; P = .013) but not muscle power at 70% 1RM_QF (r = .24; P = .15) or 1RM_QF (r = .13; P = .44). Light-intensity activity was positively correlated with muscle power at 50% 1RM_QF (r = .52; P = .001). Lower limb muscle power is associated with the 6MWT and light-intensity activities in older men with COPD.