Abstract

Juan Abreu González, Alejandro Jiménez Sosa, Jesús González Pizarro, Alicia Pérez Rodríguez, Candelaria Martín García

Bendopnea is defined as dyspnea that occurs with anterior flexion of the trunk, such as when putting on shoes. In patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), particularly those with severe airflow obstruction and thoracic insufflation, anterior flexion may hypothetically increase lung insufflation and produce dyspnea during this maneuver, referred to as bendopnea. This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between bendopnea, the degree of bronchial obstruction, thoracic insufflation and quality of life in COPD patients during a stable phase. A total of 45 COPD patients in a stable phase were prospectively studied. They underwent simple spirometry to assess thoracic volumes, completed the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Assessment Test (CAT) and participated in a bendopnea test. The results revealed a significant relationship between baseline dyspnea and bendopnea. However, no relationship was found between bendopnea and the degree of bronchial obstruction, degree of thoracic insufflation, or desaturation during the maneuver. An almost significant relationship was noted between Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and quality of life in relation to bendopnea. In conclusion, there is no relationship between bendopnea and the severity or degree of thoracic insufflation in COPD patients during a stable phase. However, a relationship exists between bendopnea and baseline dyspnea, with an almost significant correlation between thoracic restriction and quality of life in these patients.