An Investigation of the Cervical Region Biomechanics in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Kronik Obstruktif Akciğer Hastalığında Servikal bölge Biyomekaniği, Kas Performansı ve Solunum Kas Kuvvetinin İncelenmesi

The aim of this study is to investigate cervical region biomechanics, muscle performance and respiratory muscle strength in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) compared to healthy subjects.

The secondary purposes are to investigate the correlation between cervical region biomechanics and posture, functional exercise capacity, depression &anxiety level,neck disability, cough severity. In accordance with this purposes, 17 patients with COPD who have Global Initiative for Chronic Obstruction Lung Disease (GOLD) stage 1-2-3-4, being clinically stable for 4 weeks and 17 healthy controls will be included ages>40. Tests and questionnaires will be used in order to determine the severity of COPD and to evaluate posture. Photographical analysis in lateral and posterior views will be used for evaluation of cranioservical region static and dynamic biomechanics. To analyze of chest wall, radiographic evaluation will be performed. Goniometry will be used for evaluation dynamic craniocervical kinematic analysis. Cranioservical region muscle strength and endurance tests will be performed. Respiratory muscle strength tests and cough evaluation test will be performed. Neck disability index, cough evaluation test questionnare, beck depression and anxiety questionnares, Nordic Musculoskeletal questionnare will be used. 6 Minute Pegboard and Ring Test, 6 Minute Walk Test will be performed. According to the results to be obtained, relationship between cranioservical region biomechanics and posture will be investigated based on the severity of disease in patients with COPD. It will guide professional working in the field.

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Being diagnosed with stage 1-2-3-4 according to the Classification of Airflow Limitation in COPD (GOLD) system,

  • Being >40 years old,
  • Being cognitively competent to understand and answer evaluation questions.
  • Being clinically stable for the last 4 weeks,
  • Being under control of accompanying comorbid conditions (such as hypertension, diabetes),
  • Volunteering to participate in the research.

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Having been hospitalized due to exacerbation in the last 3 months,

  • Having a musculoskeletal, neurological, rheumatological or oncological disease that affects the craniocervical & cervicothoracic joints and/or may prevent evaluation,
  • Having undergone any surgical intervention on the craniocervicofacial region and spine in the last six months,
  • Having lung malignancy, neoplasm, adenocarcinoma,
  • Being a lung cancer patient or having received cancer treatment (head and neck lung radiotherapy), having undergone pneumonectemia, lobectomy or resection surgery,
  • Being treated for anxiety and depression,
  • Having scoliosis,
  • Having a congenital anomaly of the craniocervicofacial region.
  • Having 3 out of 4 findings according to the diagnostic criteria for cervical radiculopathy,
  • Having thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS)