Abstract
To assess the factors determining maximum exercise performance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), we examined nutritional status with special reference to body composition and pulmonary function in 50 stable COPD patients. Nutritional status was evaluated by body weight and body composition, including fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Exercise performance was evaluated by maximum oxygen uptake (Vo 2max) on a cycle ergometer. A total of 50 patients (FEV1= 0.98 L) was divided randomly into either a study group (group A, n= 25) or validation group (group B, n= 25). Stepwise regression analysis was performed in group A to determine the best predictors of Vo 2max from measurements of pulmonary function and nutritional status. Stepwise regression analysis revealed that Vo 2max was predicted best by the following equation in group A: Vo 2max (mL/min) = 10.223 × FFM (kg) + 4.188 × MVV (L/min) + 9.952 × DLco (mL/min/mmHg) − 127.9 (r= 0.84, p < 0.001). This equation was then cross-validated in group B: Measured Vo 2max (mL/min) = 1.554 × Predicted Vo 2max (mL/min) − 324.0 (r= 0.87, p < 0.001). We conclude that FFM is an important factor in determining maximum exercise performance, along with pulmonary function parameters, in patients with COPD.
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
Accepted for publication 15 February 2000
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Kobayashi, A., Yoneda, T., Yoshikawa, M. et al. The Relation of Fat-free Mass to Maximum Exercise Performance in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Lung 178, 119–127 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1007/s004080000014
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s004080000014