Muscle power output in older adults with COPD

Introduction: Skeletal muscle power of the lower extremities decreases earlier than muscle strength with advancing age and is more strongly associated with functional performance of activities of daily living (e.g. rising from a chair, walking speed, and climb stairs) than maximal strength in the elderly population. In addition, increasing skeletal muscle power has been associated with a reduction in falls in older adults. It was hypothesized that skeletal muscle power would more strongly associated with functional exercise capacity than maximal strength in older men with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Objective: To determine the relationship between lower extremity skeletal muscle power and functional exercise capacity. Methods: Thirty-five men (aged 70 ± 5) with moderate to severe COPD were tested for thigh muscle mass, maximal strength (1RM), power output of the lower extremities at 50% and 70% 1RM, six minute walking (6MW) distance, and peak oxygen uptake. Results: The 6MW distance was positively associated with power output at 50% 1RM (r= 0.64; p Conclusions: Muscle power output is strongly associated with the 6MW distance than maximal strength. Furthermore, pulmonary rehabilitation programs that include lower extremity muscle power training should be prescribed to older adults with COPD. Support by of the Spanish Ministry of Education and Science DEP2011-30042-C02-01; DEP2011-30042-C01-02.