Exercise capacity and pulmonary function in individuals with leprosy

Introduction In Brazil 23% of leprosy patients have some type of physical disability after discharge. The impact on the respiratory system and correlation with functional exercise capacity is still unknown. Objective To correlate the functional exercise capacity and pulmonary function in individuals with leprosy sequelae. Materials and methods We evaluated 20 subjects and 25 controls by sensory evaluation, muscle strength, graduate the grade of physical disability followed by pulmonary function tests with spirometry and manovacuometry, besides the functional exercise capacity through the six minute walking distance (6MWD). Results The majority (75%) of the subjects showed physical disability grade 1. The mean of the maximal inspiratory pressure were below than normal -71 ± 31 cmH20 and maximal expiratory pressure +89 ± 22 cmH20. Spirometric values presented measures within normal value. The functional exercise capacity found a reduced value with a distance of 404 ± 92m. Positive and statistically significant correlation between the inspiratory pressures with 6MWD (r = 0.49, p = 0.025) and, similarly, expiratory pressure (r = 0.53, p = 0.004). The same evidence is found in maximal respiratory pressures of individuals in grade 1 with significant correlations (r = 0.52, p = 0.036) and (r = 0.51, p = 0.042). Conclusion Individuals with leprosy sequelae had impaired respiratory muscle strength and functional exercise capacity. Maximal respiratory pressures are presented as an independent factor in the change in performance in the functional exercise capacity.