Research project The overall aim of the ENDURE project is to develop valid, reliable, and feasible measurement methods for muscle function among people with COPD, specifically muscular endurance. Within PREDQUAD, we intend to develop reference values and valid reference equations for various measures of muscle function such as muscle strength, power, and endurance.
An often neglected aspect of COPD is that the disease is strongly associated with limb muscle dysfunction, an extrapulmonary manifestation that significantly impacts the quality of life and survival of the individual with COPD. However, despite its clinical and prognostic relevance, strategies for assessing muscle (dys)function in COPD are currently lacking. Within the ENDURE & PREDQUAD projects, we will establish the validity, reliability, and implementation of different strategies for measuring muscle function and develop reference values and valid reference equations.
External
Riksförbundet HjärtLung
Strategiska forskningsområdet vård – SFO-V
Hjärtlungfonden
Vetenskapsrådet
Internal
Harald Jeanssons Stiftelse samt Harald och Greta Jeanssons Stiftelse
Erika och Rudolf Gustavssons fond
BACKGROUND
The clinical and prognostic relevance of muscle function in COPD motivates continued research into developing methods and reference equations and values for muscle function in COPD. Before this can become a reality in clinical practice, important knowledge gaps must still be filled, which we intend to answer within the ENDURE and PREDQUAD projects.
RESEARCH OBJECTIVES
The research objectives (ROs) of the ENDURE project are too:
● RO1) establish test-retest reliability, validity and feasibility of endurance of the thigh muscles in patients with COPD.
● RO2) investigate the relationship between maximum strength and endurance in the thigh muscles, functional ability, and daily physical activity.
The ROs of the PREDQUD project are to:
● RO3) develop predictive equations and reference values for different measures of muscle function
● RO4) validate these normal values among people with COPD.
METHODS
We are working with an international research alliance to conduct randomized controlled cross-sectional studies. Measurement of muscle function will include measurement of muscle strength, power (explosiveness), as well as endurance both dynamically and statically.
● RO1 & 2) 60 people with COPD are included in Sweden, Canada, and the Netherlands
● RO3 & 4) 87 people with COPD and 158 healthy elderly individuals are included in Sweden, Canada, and Belgium
EXPECTED RESULTS & SIGNIFICANCE
If we achieve the ROS, the expected results of ENDURE & PREDQUAD are:
● valid, reliable and feasible methods for measuring muscle function, specifically muscular endurance among people with COPD.
● Valid reference equations and reference values for various measures of muscle function including strength, power (explosiveness) and endurance.
In summary, the goal of the ENDURE & PREDQUAD projects is that the results of our projects will lead to better diagnosis and adequate treatment in healthcare, which is important for the quality of life and prognosis of the individual patient. For example, the project will develop reference equations and reference values for muscle function that will facilitate the measurement of muscle function in clinical activities.
