Effects of quadriceps muscle strengthening on muscle endurance, functional capacity, dyspnea and quality of life in older patients with asthma

Older asthmatics show early muscle fatigue even with normal walking due to increased dyspnea. Limb muscle dysfunction may contribute to not only exercise limitation but also impaired quality of life. The study aimed to investigate the effects of quadriceps strengthening exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy on muscle endurance, functional capacity, dyspnea and quality of life in older patients with asthma. This study included 14 elderly (67.55±2.60years, 12F, 2M) who were members of Kadikoy Municipality Social Life Center. Quadriceps muscle endurance and strength, functional exercise capacity, dyspnea levels, pulmonary functions, and quality of life were assessed by Sit to Stand Test(STS), NeuroTrac MyoPlus2 electromyography(EMG), six-minute walking test(6MWT), Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale(MMRC), spirometry and Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire(AQoL) respectively. All subjects were included in asthma education program and they were trained for breathing retraining, aerobic exercise and quadriceps strengthening exercise using resistive bands (3 times/wk for 4-week). The results of this study showed statistically significant improvement in STS (pre: 28.42±4.35, post:31.57±4.61) and EMG (Right; pre:111.62±8.97, post:119.01±8.48 and Left; pre:101.50±4.94, post: 110±2.82), 6MWT (pre:457.85±48.03, post: 505.00±57.08) and AQoL (pre: 141.71±25.95, post: 151.57±24.64), (p