Efeitos de um teste incremental de caminhada na marcha de indivíduos com doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica

Abstract

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality worldwide, being preventable and treatable. It is characterized by airflow limitation also featuring extra-pulmonary effects that can aggravate the symptoms of the disease. The sensation of dyspnea, main symptom refered, occurs especially in carrying out activities that require more effort. There are evidences that COPD is detrimental to peripheral muscles, and the reduction of muscle strength, predominantly in the lower limbs, can be a consequence of physical deconditioning due to lack of exercise because of dyspnea. The gait is one of the most important activities carried out by man and each person performs in a unique way, defined by synchronized and complex neurological structures that allow an effortless motion. There is a close relationship between the maintenance of the walking capacity and level of functional independence and that gait analysis provides data for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms and for targeting treatment of patients with disorders of locomotion. Thus, acquiring more knowledge about the characteristics of the gait of individuals with COPD makes it possible to develop strategies for the rehabilitation of these patients in order to maintain the autonomy and preservation of independence. The objective of this study is to analyze the effects of an incremental walking test in the gait pattern and cardiorespiratory parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.