The Effect of Foot Deformities on Physical Activity, Fatigue Level and Quality of Life in Elderly COPD Patients

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is usually a progressive disease associated with the increased chronic inflammatory response of the airways and lungs to the toxic effects of harmful gases and particles. It causes pathological changes such as increased secretion production in the airways, epithelial changes, inflammation, smooth muscle hypertrophy, and hyperplasia in the submucosal glands. Hyperinflammation in the lungs results in muscle atrophy, shortening of the respiratory muscles, and increased respiratory workload. On the other hand, the increase in pro-inflammatory plasma cytokine levels seen in the systemic circulation causes oxidative stress, leading to the development of musculoskeletal system disorders and a decrease in functional capacity. Pulmonary dysfunction and increased dyspnea lead to a decrease in physical condition, physical exercise tolerance, and activity, while the decrease in muscle mass results in atrophy in the peripheral extremities.

Age and gender are cited as major risk factors for COPD. Therefore, lower extremity atrophy, which is seen in peripheral extremities and increases with aging, causes foot dysfunctions. Considering that the ability of elderly people to maintain their independence is related to a good level of consciousness and ongoing ambulation, and the frequency of foot problems seen in elderly people is approximately twice as high as the general population, foot problems seen in elderly individuals are very important for this group. In particular, the decrease in foot mobility and the fall of the medial longitudinal arch negatively affect the absorption of shocks during heel strike and foot flat and the momentum of the trunk forward. This situation may result in the expenditure of energy above normal and deterioration of balance while ensuring the proper transfer of body weight. All of these cause early fatigue and a decrease in the quality of life in the individual. In the literature, foot deformities in elderly healthy individuals and the parameters these deformities will affect people are stated. However, there is no study examining the effects of foot deformities on physical activity, fatigue, and quality of life in elderly COPD patients.