Viscoelastic Properties of Respiratory and Peripheral Muscles of COPD Patients

Comparison of Viscoelastic Properties of Respiratory Muscles and Peripheral Muscles in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients With Healthy Subjects

The aim of this study was to compare the viscoelastic properties of auxiliary respiratory muscles and peripheral muscles of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients with healthy subjects. Myotonometry was used to evaluate the viscoelastic properties of the muscles. The viscoelastic properties of the sternoclaidus mastoid, pectoralis major, upper trapezius, deltoid, biceps brachii, rectus femoris, gastrocinemius, and tibialis anterior muscles were evaluated.

muscle viscoelastic properties; muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity. These features may vary due to muscle overuse, lack of relaxation and recovery. The aim is to investigate these differences in COPD patients and healthy individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• male gender,
• body mass index (BMI) between 18.5-29.9 kg/m2,
• stable COPD patients

Exclusion Criteria:

• being in the acute exacerbation period for COPD patients,
• having undergone any neurological, orthopaedic or thoracic surgery,
• presence of malignancy in any organ,
• presence of comorbidities affecting muscle atrophy (myasthenia gravis, muscular dystrophy, etc.).