[Reduced ADL, QOL and musculoskeletal dysfunction associated with respiratory disease.]

Abstract

Chronic respiratory disease, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)continues to cause a heavy health and economic burden in the world. Lower-limb muscle dysfunction is a prominent and major extrapulmonary features in individuals with moderate-to-very severe COPD and has important clinical implications, such as reduced exercise tolerance, activity of daily living(ADL), health related quality of life(HRQOL)and even survival. Osteoporosis is also an important systemic feature of COPD. Osteoprotic fracture cause many symptoms and complications, including the impairment of ventilation, and create a heavy economic burden. Comprehensive treatments(drug medication and non-drug treatment)for these impairments, such as pulmonary rehabilitation, are recommended. Pulmonary rehabilitation improves dyspnea, exercise capacity, ADL, and HRQOL, each of which is recognized predictors of mortality.