Respiratory muscle strength in patients with pulmonary hypertension: The relationship with exercise capacity, physical activity level, and quality of life

• Published in: The clinical respiratory journal 2018-02, Vol.12 (2), p.699-705
• Main Authors: Aslan, Goksen Kuran, Akinci, Buket, Yeldan, Ipek, Okumus, Gulfer
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Exercise; physical activity; Physical fitness; Pulmonary hypertension; Quality of life; respiratory muscles
• ISSN: 1752-6981; 1752-699X
• DOI: 10.1111/crj.12582

Introduction Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is characterized by exertional dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, dizziness, and syncope. Physical activity, peripheral, and respiratory muscle strength reduces in pateints with PH. Little is known about respiratory muscle weakness and related outcomes. Objectives The aims of the study were to determine respiratory muscle strength and to investigate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and spirometric measurements, exercise capacity, physical activity level, quality of life, and pulmonary hemodynamics in patients with PH. Methods In total, 33 patients aged 25‐80 years who were diagnosed as having PH and 24 healthy volunteers were included in the study. To measure respiratory function, spirometry, maximal inspiratory (MIP), and expiratory pressures (MEP) were used. Physical activity level was determined with activity monitoring (SenseWear Armband) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire‐Short Form. Exercise capacity was determined using the 6‐minute walk test. Quality of life was evaluated with the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ). Results Maximal inspiratory pressure and MEP values of the patients with PH were significantly lower than the age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls (P