Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease group b and c: Are they really the opposite of each other regarding exercise capacity and muscle strength?

Purpose: "Combined COPD Assessment" in the classification of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was proposed as a new method by The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (GOLD). The aim of this study was to evaluate exercise capacity, and muscle strength (respiratory and peripheral muscle strength) between two groups (Group B and C) of the new GOLD combined COPD assessment in this study. Methods: Patients were categorized into group B (n=18) and C (n=18) according to the GOLD combined COPD assessment. Patients' exercise capacity (the six-minute walk test [6MWT]) and the six-minute pegboard and ring test [6PBRT]), respiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure [MIP] and maximal expiratory pressure [MEP]), and peripheral muscle strength (hand-grip and knee extensor strength) were assessed. Results: The MEP value was significantly higher in group B than in group C (p=0.024). Other values (6MWT distance, 6PBRT score, MIP values, and peripheral muscle strength) were not significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: This study shows that comprehensive assessment is very important to evaluate patients with COPD. The GOLD spirometry measures are not solely enough, symptoms and exacerbation history must be evaluated.