COPD:Comparison of Functional Tests and Health Related Quality of Life
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparison of the Sit-to-Stand Test and the 6 Minute Walk Test and the correlation with health related quality of Life in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
IRAS ID
150165
Contact name
Ian Cliff
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospital of North Staffordshire
Research summary
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a long term breathing condition. In COPD, the airways become inflamed and narrowed and this is what causes breathlessness and many other symptoms. Unfortunately, patients who experience high levels of breathlessness can be afraid to exercise. However, inactivity will only make the problem worse, as muscles lose their fitness.
There is increasing interest on the impact symptoms of COPD have on a patient’s daily living and quality of life. This study will look at how COPD may affect a patient’s ability to perform certain activities. This will be measured by two tests that involve activity’s common to daily life; walking and standing from a seated position. A questionnaire will assess health related quality of life. The questionnaire will look at three areas, symptoms, activities and the impact of the condition on daily life. The results of both exercise tests will then be compared to see which, if any, best relate to the questionnaire outcome.
Previous studies have found that COPD patients consistently report lower levels of functional performance for sleep, daily chores, as well as recreation and other activities. Functional performance is to the ability to perform activities of daily living. The disability in COPD can be poorly reflected by Spirometry, a simple breathing test. On the other hand, exercise limitation is closely linked to both impairment and disability, and is a stronger predictor of poor quality of life and survival.
The second aim of this study is to see how reproducible one of the exercise tests is. The sitting tests is a relatively new test in COPD patients. Reproducibility is important as doctors need to know that any change in results is due to a change in the patient’s condition. For example, the results are better because a treatment is working.REC name
East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/EM/0158
Date of REC Opinion
8 May 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion