Upsala Journal of Medical Sciences. 2015; 120: 52–58

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Effect of physical training on fat-free mass in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

MARGARETA EMTNER1,2, RUNA HALLIN1, RAGNHEIÐUR HARPA ARNARDOTTIR1,3,4 & CHRISTER JANSON1 1

Department of Medical Sciences, Respiratory, Allergy and Sleep Research, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, Department of Neuroscience, Physiotherapy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden, 3School of Health Sciences, University of Akureyri, Akureyri, Iceland, and 4Department of Rehabilitation, Akureyri Hospital, Akureyri, Iceland

2

Abstract Background. Weight loss and depletion of fat-free mass are common problems in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and are related to muscular weakness and exercise intolerance. Physical training of COPD patients has good effect on exercise tolerance and quality of life. The aim of this study was to examine factors that affect change in fat-free mass after physical training, in patients with COPD. Patients. Patients were examined before and after a 4-month exercise period. Weight and height were measured, and bioelectrical impedance was performed. Fat-free mass (FFM) was calculated, by a three-compartment model, and fat-free mass index (FFMI) was calculated as FFM kg/m2 and body mass index (BMI) as kg/m2. A symptom-limited ramp ergometer test and 12-minute walk test (12MWT) were performed. Dyspnoea score of daily activities was determined by Chronic Respiratory Disease Questionnaire (CRDQ). Blood was taken for analyses of C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen. Patients with a BMI