Physical therapy
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Multicenter Study Observational Study
Fixed Handheld Dynamometry Provides Reliable and Valid Values for Quadriceps Isometric Strength in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Multicenter Study.
Quadriceps weakness is associated with poor clinical outcomes in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, quadriceps isometric strength assessment has not been routinely adopted in clinical practice because of the lack of homogeneity in the devices and protocols and the lack of reliability studies. ⋯ Quadriceps strength assessment can be implemented in a reliable and valid way in people with COPD using a fixed handheld dynamometer and standardized procedure. This protocol should be established in clinical practice to facilitate the assessment of muscle strength in people with COPD.