Physical activity is closely associated with short physical performance battery score in elderly COPD

Background: The Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) is commonly used in frail older people and in screening for sarcopenia. In general older population, the SPPB relates to functional exercise capacity and skeletal muscle function. However, it has been unclear whether SPPB score is associated with physical activity (PA) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of SPPB as an assessment tool for PA in elderly patients with stable COPD. Methods: In twelve patients with COPD (Age 69.9±8.9years, FEV 1 48.8±26.4%pred), SPPB score, spirometry, 6-min walk distance (6MWD), quadriceps strength (QS), one leg standing (OLS), physical activity (PA: steps/day), health status (COPD Assessment Test; CAT), nutritional status (body mass index; BMI), and modified Medical Research Council dyspnea (mMRC) score were measured. Correlation analysis was conducted to determine whether SPPB score was associated with PA in COPD. Results: SPPB score (10.3±2.2) was significantly correlated with PA (4619.3±2753.3steps/day, r=.649, p=.042), age (r=.824, p=.002), mMRC score (2.0±0.7, r=.746, p=.021), OLS (33.4±21.0sec, r=.716, p=.020), and 6MWD (424.7±164.3m, r=.664, p=.036). While, SPPB score was not significantly correlated with FEV 1 (r=.237, p=.539), QS (66.6±16.6%body weight, r=.266, p=.458), CAT (15.7±4.7, r=.142, p=.695), and BMI (21.1±2.1kg/m 2 , r=.363, p=.302). Conclusions: The SPPB that is a valid, simple and practical assessment tool might be associated with physical activity, dyspnea, exercise capacity, and balance in patients with elderly COPD in home-based or clinical setting.