Methods for assessing functional capacity in patients with COPD

Abstract

Objectives: To perform a non-systematic literature review in order to explore the main instruments used to assess functional limitation in patients with COPD. Methods: The search was performed in Medline, PubMed and SciELO using the following terms: daily activities, physical activities in daily life, functional capacity and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Results: The main instruments were classified according to their characteristics: scales and questionnaires, clinical tests and motion sensors. The LCADL scale and the PFSDQ questionnaire were described. Regarding clinical tests there are presented 6MWT, Glittre-ADL Test (TGlittre), Sit to Stand, Step Chester and GST test; besides the motion sensors. Conclusions: In the selection of ideal assessment tools, we must take into account those that tackle important issues related to the disease and to the impact that it has on these patients. Among the tools presented it is highlighted the use of LCADL, 6MWT, TGlittre and triaxial accelerometers.