Functional tests associated with sarcopenia in moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Objectives: To evaluate the association of physical and functional measures with sarcopenia in moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and to establish cut-off points for sarcopenia screening. Methods: The study included COPD with and without sarcopenia, of both sexes who were over 50 years old. Participants were assessed for lung function, body composition, grip strength, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), 5-repetition, 10-repetition and 30-seconds sit-to-stand tests (5STS, 10STS and 30STS, respectively). In addition, six-minute walking test, respiratory muscular strength, and physical activity level were tested. Results: The study had 35 participants, 24 men (68.6%) and moderate COPD (51.4 %). COPD-sarcopenia showed lower values in lean mass, body fat and body mass alongside lower performance in 10 and 30 STS tests, SPPB and gait speed compared to non-sarcopenic group. The cut-off points with better sensitivity and specificity to identify sarcopenia were 10.88 and 34.14 seconds, 15 repetitions and 10 points in the 5STS, 10STS, 30STS and SPPB, respectively. The comparison of the receiver operating curves evidenced no differences between the functional tests. Only 30STS and SPPB showed acceptable discriminatory power. Conclusion: Functional tests, especially 30STS and SPPB, are simple and affordable tools for screening sarcopenia in COPD with moderate obstruction.