Open AccessBody image in COPD and its relation with physical activity levels, lung function and body composition: An observational study
Author(s) -
Freire Ana Paula Coelho Figueira,
Ferreira Aline Duarte,
Santos Caroline Pereira,
Araújo Isabela Cristina Duarte,
Uzeloto Juliana Souza,
Silva Bruna Spolador de Alencar,
Ramos Dionei,
Ramos Ercy Mara Cipulo
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
the clinical respiratory journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.789
H-Index - 33
eISSN - 1752-699X
pISSN - 1752-6981
DOI - 10.1111/crj.13259
Subject(s) - medicine , bioelectrical impedance analysis , body mass index , copd , spirometry , pulmonary function testing , physical therapy , asthma
Abstract Introduction Body image has been previously defined as the mental figure we have of the contours and shape of our body; and the feelings concerning these characteristics. A change in body perception can influence one’s feelings of self‐worth and compromise functional abilities. Thus, the detection of distortions in body image could be important data for clinical evaluation of subjects with COPD. Objectives To assess the body image perception of subjects with COPD. Also, to investigate the association between body image and levels of physical activity in these subjects. Materials and Methods 109 subjects were recruited and divided into the COPD group and control subjects without any pulmonary conditions. For this cross‐sectional study, we performed an initial evaluation and participants were evaluated regarding physical activity level, body image (silhouette scale) and determination of body mass index (BMI). Finally, we performed the evaluation of lung function (spirometry) and body composition analysis (bioelectrical impedance). Results BothCOPD and control subjects presented alterations in body image. Both groups desired significantly lower BMI and weight measures, according to the silhouette scale, demonstrating body dissatisfaction ( P < .05). No differences in the level body dissatisfaction were found between Control and COPD groups ( P > .05). No associations between physical activity levels and body image were observed ( P > .05; r = −0.24 to 0.14). Conclusion In conclusion, patients with COPD present significant body dissatisfaction, similar to control individuals. Furthermore, body image perception in COPD is related to body composition measurements but not to physical activity levels.