Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity and Activities of Daily Living in Individuals With Bronchiectasis Versus Healthy Controls.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the upper extremity exercise capacity and activities of daily living (ADL) in individuals with bronchiectasis and controls.

Methods: Twenty-four individuals with bronchiectasis and 24 healthy controls were assessed for upper extremity exercise capacity (6-minute pegboard and ring test [6PBRT]) and ADL (Glittre ADL test). Energy expenditure was measured using a wearable metabolic monitor during the Glittre ADL test.

Results: The mean [SD] 6PBRT score of individuals with bronchiectasis was significantly lower than the mean score of controls (196.50 [51.75] vs 243.00 [29.76] number of rings). The Glittre ADL test duration was significantly higher in individuals with bronchiectasis compared with controls (3.54 [1.53] vs 2.36 [0.18] minutes), despite similar energy expenditure during the Glittre ADL test between the groups (17.67 [5.28] kcal in individuals with bronchiectasis vs 18.13 [5.71] kcal in controls). The 6PBRT score and the Glittre ADL test duration were negatively correlated in individuals with bronchiectasis (r = -0.694).

Conclusion: The individuals with bronchiectasis had reduced upper extremity exercise capacity compared with healthy controls. Energy expenditure during ADL was similar between individuals with bronchiectasis and healthy controls, despite lower ADL performance in individuals with bronchiectasis. The upper extremity exercise capacity and ADL are related in individuals with bronchiectasis. Given this relationship, inclusion of upper extremity exercise training in pulmonary rehabilitation programs should be considered.

Impact: Considering the impairment of upper extremity exercise capacity and ADL in individuals with bronchiectasis highlights the need to tailor preventive strategies and preclude further unfavorable effects.

Lay Summary: Bronchiectasis may reduce exercise capacity in your arms and reduce your ability to perform daily living activities. Physical therapists can evaluate your condition and create rehabilitation programs to help manage these impairments.