Evaluation of Upper Extremity Functions in Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome Patients

Plain-language summary

Obesity Hypoventilation Syndrome (OHS) is a disease characterized by daytime hypercapnia and sleep-related respiratory disturbances in individuals with a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30 kg/m², without any other condition that could lead to hypoventilation. Although various mechanisms play a role in the pathogenesis of OHS, the most significant one is the altered respiratory system mechanics due to obesity. Obesity also leads to a decrease in peripheral muscle strength and exercise capacity. It has been reported that in obese individuals, not only general body movements and lower extremities but also upper extremity movements are negatively affected. Specifically, it has been observed that during activities against gravity, movement speed is low while the duration of movement is high. In OHS patients, daily living activities, physical activity, and exercise capacity are also negatively impacted. Supported or unsupported arm movements are of great importance in performing daily living activities. The muscles activated during both simple arm lifting and combined movements also function as accessory respiratory muscles. In individuals with cardiopulmonary diseases, an increase in the respiratory workload, especially during unsupported arm movements, has been observed. It is thought that in OHS patients, both the effects of obesity and the respiratory system may limit upper extremity functions. However, no studies have evaluated upper extremity functions in these individuals. Therefore, the aim of investigators study is to evaluate upper extremity functions in OHS patients.

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