Is the Short Physical Performance Battery a Useful Outcome Measure in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

• Hospitalisation rate [ Time Frame: 36 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
• Healthcare resource usage [ Time Frame: 36 months ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

Patients with Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (COPD) often develop muscle problems, particularly in their legs which makes them more limited in what they can do. The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is a simple test of standing balance, usual walking speed and ability to stand from a chair. The SPPB may be a useful measure to predict leg function.

This study aims to evaluate whether the SPPB is comparable with current exercise tests used in COPD patients, and whether it is useful in predicting disability, death and health resource usage over time.

Any patient with a diagnosis of COPD.

• Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
• Lung Diseases, Obstructive
• Pulmonary Emphysema
• Bronchitis, Chronic
• Lung Diseases
• Disease Progression

• Guralnik JM, Ferrucci L, Simonsick EM, Salive ME, Wallace RB. Lower-extremity function in persons over the age of 70 years as a predictor of subsequent disability. N Engl J Med. 1995 Mar 2;332(9):556-61.
• Guralnik JM, Simonsick EM, Ferrucci L, Glynn RJ, Berkman LF, Blazer DG, Scherr PA, Wallace RB. A short physical performance battery assessing lower extremity function: association with self-reported disability and prediction of mortality and nursing home admission. J Gerontol. 1994 Mar;49(2):M85-94.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of COPD

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any patient in whom mobility and lower limb function have been significantly affected by a neuromuscular cause (eg. motor neurone disease), severe peripheral vascular disease or amputation
• Any patient whom is deemed unsafe to exercise
• Patients unable to complete the SPPB, walking tests and leg strength assessments.