Evaluation of Motor Imagery, Cognitive Function and Reaction Time in Children With Bronchiectasis

Evaluation of Motor Imagery, Cognitive Function and Reaction Time in Children With Bronchiectasis

The aim of this study was to evaluate motor imagery ability, reaction time and cognitive function parameters in children with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis compared to healthy peers.

The main causes affecting exercise capacity in patients with bronchiectasis are restriction of tidal expiratory flow, dyspnea secondary to dynamic hyperinflation, changes in pulmonary mechanics, inadequate gas exchange and decreased skeletal muscle mass. Due to all these symptoms, exercise capacity decreases in patients with bronchiectasis and the importance of physical activity increases. . In addition to decreased exercise capacity in individuals with bronchiectasis, studies on the effect of motor imagery ability, which is considered as a mental exercise, have not been found. Inadequate blood supply to the brain and muscle dysfunction have been reported to cause cognitive damage and decreased reaction time in COPD patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosed with cystic or non-cystic bronchiectasis
• Being clinically stable
• Not having an exacerbation or infection
• Being between the ages of 7-18
• To be able to read and understand Turkish

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unstable concomitant cardiac, orthopedic or neurologic disease
• History of previous lung or liver transplantation
• History of acute exacerbation and/or hospitalization in the last 1 month
• Changes in medical treatment during the study period.