This study investigates the relationship between expiratory muscle strength and clinical outcomes such as disease severity, hospital admissions, and quality of life in individuals with bronchiectasis.
This study aims to examine the relationship between expiratory muscle strength and clinical outcomes such as disease severity, hospital admission history, and quality of life in individuals with bronchiectasis. Effective coughing is a critical physiological reflex for airway clearance; however, the relationship between expiratory muscle strength and cough effectiveness in the bronchiectasis population has not been clearly established. Identifying expiratory muscle weakness as a potential contributor to increased symptom burden and impaired airway clearance may improve clinical understanding and support the development of targeted physiotherapy interventions. The findings of this study could serve as a foundation for future interventional research in pulmonary rehabilitation and respiratory muscle training for this population.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
64
Süreyyapaşa Chest Diseases and Chest Surgery Training and Research Hospital
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
RECRUITINGRespiratory Muscle Strength
Respiratory muscle function will be assessed by measuring maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) in the sitting position using a mouth pressure device (MEC PFT Systems Pocket-Spiro).
Time frame: Baseline
Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Score
Modified Medical Council Dyspnea score will rate the sensation of dyspnea as the person perceives it.The severity of dyspnea is rated on a scale of 0 to 4."0 point" means no dyspnea perception and "4 point" means severe dyspnea perception.
Time frame: Baseline
Leicester Cough Questionnaire
This is a short questionnaire that assesses quality of life, particularly for chronic cough. It is relatively easy to administer. The Leicester Cough Questionnaire consists of nineteen questions assessing three different areas: physical, social, and psychological. Scores for the LCQ include mean scores for each domain (ranging from 1 to 7) and a total score calculated as the sum of the domain scores (ranging from 3 to 21). Higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Time frame: Baseline
Bronchiectasis Severity Index
The Bronchiectasis Severity Index (BSI) will be used to determine disease severity. This index examines nine parameters: age, body mass index, % predicted FEV1, hospitalizations due to exacerbations in the last 2 years, number of exacerbations in the previous year, level of dyspnea, colonization by Pseudomaonas and other microorganisms, and radiological findings. These scores classify patients into mild (0-4 points), moderate (5-8 points), and severe (9 points and above) groups and identify patients at risk of death, hospitalization and exacerbations.
Time frame: Baseline
Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale
This is a 14-item scale developed by Zigmond and Snaith. Seven of these items assess anxiety symptoms, and seven assess depression symptoms. The items in the scale are assessed using a 4-point Likert scale and are based on a scoring system ranging from 0 to 3. Scores range from 0 to 21 for each subscale and can be summed to yield a total anxiety-depression score of up to 42. Higher scores indicate increased symptom severity, while a cut-off score of 8 indicates high levels of depression and anxiety symptoms.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Baseline
Fatigue severity scale
Individuals' fatigue levels will be assessed using the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). The FSS consists of 9 questions scored on a 7-point Likert scale, indicating a perceived level of fatigue that may require medical attention. It is a valid and reliable instrument, with a score of 7 being associated with greater fatigue.
Time frame: Baseline
Spirometric measurements (Forced vital capacity)
It is used to evaluate respiratory functions. It is evaluated with a spirometer. Forced vital capacity (FVC): the maximum amount of air that can be forcibly exhaled from the lungs after fully inhaling. It can be recorded in percentages or liters.
Time frame: Baseline
Spirometric measurements (First second forced expiratory volume)
It is used to evaluate respiratory functions. It is evaluated with a spirometer. First-second forced expiratory volume (FEV1): the amount of air that can be exhaled with force in 1 second. It can be recorded in percentages or liters.
Time frame: Baseline
Spirometric measurements (FEV1/FVC ratio)
It is used to evaluate respiratory functions. It is evaluated with a spirometer. It is calculated by dividing FEV1 by FVC. It is expressed as a percentage.
Time frame: Baseline