Analysis of metabolic and ventilatory demand during the execution of daily life activities in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) report that fatigue and dyspnea are the main symptoms experienced as a result of efforts made during the realization of daily life activities (DLA). Based on this context, this study aimed to analyze and compare individuals with COPD (FEV1<60%), classified as Group 1 (G1) and healthy individuals, classified as Group 2 (G2), during the execution of five DLA. The chosen DLA were: changing a light bulb (L); lifting a weight (LW); sweeping (S); climbing steps (CA) and walking on a treadmill (WT). The following variables were monitored during these activities: metabolic (MR) and ventilatory reserve (VR); heart rate reserve (HRR); oxygenation and sensation of dyspnea (SD). For G1, there was a significant decrease in the MR compared with resting (R) for each of the five DLA (Friedman ANOVA; p<0.05). For G2, differences were found for LW, S, CA and WT. Between the groups, there was a difference for WT (Mann-Whitney; p<0.05). In relation to the VR for G1, there was a significant decrease for L, LW, CA and S when compared with resting (R), against differences in LW, S, CA and WT for G2. Between G1 and G2, differences were found for R, L, LW and CA. In relation to HRR, for G1 and G2, there was a significant decrease for the DLA when compared with R. For oxygenation between groups, there was a difference for the five DLA when compared with resting (R); as to the sensation of dyspnea, differences were found for L, LW, S, CA & WT. Individuals with COPD present a decrease in MR, VR and HRR during the realization of DLA, which can explain the fatigue and dyspnea they report.