The impact of an AECOPD on functional performance

<bold>Introduction:</bold> An acute exacerbation of COPD(AECOPD) results in an acute drop in exercise capacity, quadriceps force(QF) and physical activity(PA). Its impact on functional performance within patients is less clear. <bold>Aim:</bold> To explore functional performance in patients with COPD and assess the impact of an AECOPD. <bold>Methods:</bold> In 36 stable patients with COPD(70%male,69±7years,FEV₁ 53±13%pred) and 25 healthy peers(80%male,68±7years), 6-minute walking distance(6MWD), short physical performance battery(SPPB), timed up and go test(TUG), 1-minute sit-to-stand(1MSTS) and QF were assessed. PA was measured with the Dynaport MoveMonitor. Patients were followed up every 6 months and retested as soon as possible in case of an AECOPD. The last stable assessment was used for comparison. (Un)paired t-test was used for analysis. <bold>Results:</bold> 12 patients(1 requiring hospitalisation) were tested 9(4-17) days after change in medication(moderate AECOPD) or hospital discharge(severe AECOPD). Compared to their stable assessment, after an AECOPD, 6MWD(∆-34±46m) and 1MSTS(∆-3±3reps) decreased significantly whereas QF tended to decline(∆-9±13Nm, p=0.05). No changes in SPPB, TUG and PA were found. All parameters of functional performance were significantly decreased in patients with COPD compared to healthy peers(Figure 1). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Although an AECOPD seems to further negatively impact the already reduced functional performance in patients with COPD, the SPPB and TUG seem inadequate to capture this decline. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA5030/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>