Respiratory and Non-respiratory Muscle Dysfunction in COPD

Dysfunction of respiratory and limb muscles is recognized as a major systemic manifestation of COPD. This dysfunction further increases the disease’s morbidity and should be properly evaluated. The aim of this chapter is to summarize the current knowledge on the structural and functional adaptations of both muscle groups in response to COPD. An overview of the possible mechanisms that could explain the development of muscle dysfunction in COPD is also provided. Finally, a summary of the available treatments of muscle dysfunction is presented and their efficiency is discussed.