Functional performance measures and readmission in COPD.
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Quadriceps muscle strength and functional performance measures during an acute exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), predictors of 30 and 90 day readmission.
IRAS ID
198693
Contact name
Charlotte Hurst
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Of North Midlands NHS Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive lung condition that causes symptoms, disability and impaired quality of life. Patients with COPD often experience exacerbations during which there may be rapid and sustained worsening of symptoms. Hospitalisations for acute exacerbations (AE) of COPD are associated with increased mortality and readmission rates. Identifying factors that contribute to readmission risk, particularly those amenable to intervention, is therefore fundamental in optimising patient outcomes and potentially reducing healthcare utilisation. Limb muscle dysfunction has been recognised as an important consequence of COPD and has implications including increased readmission risk, reduced exercise tolerance, decreased quality of life and increased risk of death. Approximately one third of COPD patients have thigh muscle (quadriceps) weakness and strength declines during an exacerbation. Assessing limb muscle strength and measures of functional performance are therefore important in identifying patients at higher risk of readmission and adverse outcomes. This will enable interventions to be targeted to those patients at greatest risk.\nThis study seeks to evaluate the ability of quadriceps strength, four meter gait speed (4MGS) and a sit-to-stand test (STST) to predict the risk of readmission and death in patients hospitalised with an AECOPD. Patients admitted to the Royal Stoke University Hospital (RSUH) with an AECOPD will be invited to take part in the study. Patients will undergo measurements of body mass index, fat free mass and a simple breathing test. quadriceps strength, 4MGS and the STST will be performed within 48 hours of admission and repeated prior to discharge. Patient medical notes will be reviewed to assess readmission rates at 30 and 90 days post discharge and two year death rates. The association of readmission risk and death with quadriceps strength, 4MGS, STST and clinical/physiological variables will be assessed. Change in functional performance measures during admission periods will also be analysed.
REC name
North West - Preston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/NW/0585
Date of REC Opinion
30 Aug 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion