Associations of cognitive and quadriceps function in persons with COPD: a preliminary cross-sectional analysis

<bold>Background:</bold> Cognitive and quadriceps dysfunction are highly prevalent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and associated with higher mortality. Quadriceps strength is positively associated with cognitive function in healthy adults. The relationship between cognitive and quadriceps function in persons with COPD is unknown. <bold>Aims:</bold> To investigate associations between cognitive and quadriceps function in persons with COPD. <bold>Methods:</bold> A cross-sectional analysis of 44 persons with stable COPD (75±8 years; 50% male). Cognitive function was assessed with the Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA, screening tool mild cognitive impairment) and the trail making test (TMT) A (visual scanning, visuomotor speed) and B (cognitive flexibility, visual scanning, visuomotor speed). Quadriceps strength (1-RM) and endurance (repetitions x workload (45% 1-RM)) were measured with a computerized dynamometer, and quadriceps power during the five-times sit-to-stand (5STS) and stair climbing power test (SCPT) was calculated. <bold>Results:</bold> TMT A was negatively associated with SCPT and 5STS (Fig. 1D/E) and TMT B was negatively associated with quadriceps strength (Fig. 1F). The MoCA score was not associated with quadriceps function. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Better quadriceps function may be related with better cognitive function in persons with COPD. Future research should further investigate this muscle-brain relationship in persons with COPD. <fig><object-id>erj;66/suppl_69/PA4899/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>