Avaliação da função muscular periférica e capacidade funcional em pacientes asmáticos

Abstract

Muscle function basically depends on muscle mass, fiber composition and energy metabolism. Alterations in any of these determinants can reduce muscle performance. Changes in muscle activity have been reported in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and chronic heart failure, but few studies were found involving individuals with asthma. The aim of the present study was to assess peripheral muscle performance and functional capacity and relate these aspects to nutritional status. Materials and Methods: The data collected allowed carrying out two studies: Study I Assessment of peripheral muscle strength in patients with severe asthma; and Study II Association between functional capacity, body composition and physical activity in patients with moderate to severe asthma. Twenty patients with asthma were selected from the Sao Paulo Public Servant Hospital (Brazil) and 15 healthy individuals served as the control group. The following procedures were carried out: Study I spirometry; muscle strength test (1 MR) and endurance; Study II spirometry body composition (BIA), controlled walk test (Shuttle test), physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) and clinical control of asthma (ACQ). Results: In Study I, there was a significant difference between groups in muscle endurance (38.64±20.67 vs 65.58±41.51); the same did not occur regarding strength. In Study II, there were significant differences between groups in the distance traveled on the walk test (369 ± 110 vs 494 ± 85 m); estimated VO2 (13.18 ± 2.88 vs 16.51 ± 2.10); final HR (115 ± 15.85 vs 124.9 ± 21 bpm) and % FC max (65.43 ± 8.88 vs 69.08 ± 10.44). Conclusion: Based on the results, the patients with asthma had lesser peripheral muscle strength and functional capacity than the healthy individuals.