Smaller Quadriceps Size Is Associated with Lower Exercise Capacity and Greater Disease Severity in People with...

Peripheral muscle dysfunction is common in people with fibrotic interstitial lung diseases (ILD). Smaller muscle size may contribute to exercise intolerance in this population, yet this is largely unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate if relationships exist between quadriceps muscle size, exercise capacity, disease severity, and dyspnea in fibrotic ILD, and to characterize these relationships based on exertional oxyhemoglobin desaturation.

In this cross-sectional study, quadriceps cross-sectional area (CSA) and muscle thickness (MT) were measured by B-mode ultrasonography in 45 participants with fibrotic ILD. Relationships between quadriceps muscle size and 6-min walk distance (6MWD), peak workload, endurance time, forced vital capacity (FVC), transfer factor for carbon monoxide (TLCO), demographics, and dyspnea were assessed, with additional subgroup analyses for exertional oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO 2 ≤ 88%, SpO 2 > 88%).

Smaller CSA and MT were associated with lower 6MWD (both r = 0.49, P < 0.01) and peak workload (CSA r = 0.37, P = 0.028; MT r = 0.60; P < 0.001). A smaller CSA was associated with lower FVC ( r = 0.47; P = 0.004). These relationships were stronger in participants who experienced exertional desaturation. There was no significant relationship between muscle size and age, TLCO, or dyspnea. FVC and MT were independently associated with both 6MWD and peak workload.

In fibrotic ILD, those with smaller quadriceps muscle size have lower exercise capacity and worse lung function. This is more apparent in those who experience exertional desaturation. Identifying interventions that preserve quadriceps muscle size in fibrotic ILD would prove beneficial.