Respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, and functional capacity in pulmonary hypertension patients with different functional classes

Aim: This study was planned to compare respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, and functional capacity in different functional classes in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PHT). Methods: Thirty-one PHT patients (49.7±12.4 years, pulmonary artery pressure=67.3±31.8 mmHg) were included. The 16 patients were class II and 14 patients were in WHO class III according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification. Patients’ respiratory muscle strength was measured using a mouth pressure device, knee extensor and shoulder abductor muscle strength were evaluated using a hand-held dynamometer, and functional capacity was assessed using a six minute walk test (6MWT). Results: Two group were similar according to age, gender and demographic characteristics (p>0.05). The 6MWT distance (440.8±114.9 m vs. 331.4±109.4 m), maximal inspiratory pressure (78.9±21.2 vs. 63.5±17.1 cmH2O) and maximal expiratory pressure (108.8±28.9 vs. 89.4±26.6 cmH2O) of Class III patients were significantly lower than of Class II patients (p 0.05). Conclusion: As the disease progresses in patients with PHT, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and functional exercise capacity decrease. The functional classification should be taken into consideration for planning the rehabilitation program of this patient group.