Hand grip strenght and CAT score in COPD

Abstract

Background: One of the important extrapulmonary manifestations of COPD is skeletal muscle dysfunction and wasting. With increasing severity of disease, patients with COPD loose muscle bulk, especially in their thighs and upper arms. Little prospective data exists about the rate at which it occurs and the factors that promote its development. Aim: to measure hand grip strengths and its relationship in COPD patients with CAT score. Methods: In 23 stable COPD patients, handgrip strength was measured with the Camry EH 101 digital Hand Dynamometer. Patients were seated with the shoulders adducted, elbows flexed to 90° and forearms in a neutral position. Three repetitions were performed for each hand; best measurement in kilograms was recorded. Results: Among 23 patients (mean age 72 years), 11 male, FEV1 mean (SD) 1,16 (0,48) 49% of predicted. Hand grip strength was in CAT SCORE A 29,1 kg ; B 25,4 kg, C 23,5 kg and D 22,7 kg. There was a positive correlation between grip strength and CAT score categories (p=0,0429). Conclusion: Hand grip strength measurement which is simple to perform and has low cost may be a helpful indicator of muscle performance, especially when 6-minute walk test can not be performed. Handgrip strength could be easily measured among COPD patients in the primary care and is correlated with CAT scores and evaluates a parameter different from other aspects of disease severity.