Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 3, 2026
07:22
Measuring the Motor Aspect of Cancer-Related Fatigue using a Handheld Dynamometer
Published on: February 20, 2020
6.3K
Relationship between lung function and grip strength in older hospitalized patients: a pilot study
Sarah J Holmes1, Stephen C Allen2,3, Helen C Roberts4,5
1Medicine and Elderly Care, Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Winchester.
Summary
Grip strength is linked to lung function in older adults. In women, grip strength correlated with peak expiratory flow rate and slow vital capacity, suggesting potential misclassification of COPD.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Pulmonology
- Physiology
Background:
- Reduced respiratory muscle strength in older adults can lead to misdiagnosis of COPD using spirometry.
- Assessing grip strength may offer insights into respiratory function in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between lung function and grip strength in hospitalized older patients without pre-existing airway diseases.
Main Methods:
- Recruited patients aged 70+ without respiratory disease, with normal cognitive function, and able to perform spirometry and grip strength tests.
- Collected data on lung function (FEV1, FVC, PEFR, SVC), grip strength, age, height, and weight.
- Analyzed data using descriptive statistics and linear regression, with and without adjustments for covariates.
Main Results:
- In men, grip strength was associated with FEV1, but this link weakened after adjusting for age, height, and weight.
- In women, grip strength showed a robust positive association with PEFR and SVC, even after adjustments.
Conclusions:
- Stronger grip strength in women may indicate higher intrathoracic pressure generation during spirometry.
- Weaker grip strength in older adults might contribute to spirometric results suggestive of COPD, potentially leading to misclassification.
Related Concept Videos
01:47Lung Capacity
56.7K
The air in the lungs is measured in volumes and capacities. Lung volume measures reflect the amount of air taken in, released, or left over after a lung function, like a single inhalation. Lung capacity measures are sums of two or more lung volume measures.
56.7K
01:25Pulmonary Function Tests
929
Pulmonary Function Tests (PFTs)
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
929
01:19Factors Affecting Pulmonary Ventilation
3.4K
Besides the pressure difference between the external environment and the lungs, the airflow rate and ease of pulmonary ventilation are also influenced by three other factors: surface tension of the fluid in the alveoli, compliance of the lungs, and airway resistance.
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
Alveolar Surface Tension
The alveolar fluid lines the luminal surface of the alveoli and exerts a force called surface tension. This force is caused by the polar water molecules in the liquid being more strongly attracted to each...
3.4K