Reflections of Upper Extremity Performance in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis on Exercise Capacity, Clinical Status, and Quality of Life

Anıl Gökçen; Aysel Yıldız Özer; Elif Yıldırım; Begüm Ünlü; Nisanur Tutuş; İpek Özmen; Mine Gülden Polat

doi:10.36141/svdld.2026.18847

Authors

Anıl Gökçen Department of Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Institute of Health Sciences, Marmara University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8542-6582
Aysel Yıldız Özer Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0739-6143
Elif Yıldırım Department of Chest Diseases, Sureyyapasa Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8724-5331
Begüm Ünlü Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6927-6396
Nisanur Tutuş Department of Chest Diseases, Sureyyapasa Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3499-6243
İpek Özmen Department of Chest Diseases, Sureyyapasa Chest Diseases and Thoracic Surgery Training and Research Hospital https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3448-3675
Mine Gülden Polat Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Marmara University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9705-9740

Keywords:

6-Minute Pegboard and Ring Test, Unsupported Upper Extremity Exercise Test, Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Upper extremity, Exercise tolerance, Exercise capacity

Abstract

Background and aim: Clinical assessments in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) typically emphasize lower extremities; however, upper extremity performance may also influence clinical status, daily functioning, and quality of life. This study aimed to examine the relationship between upper extremity performance and exercise capacity, clinical status, and quality of life.

Methods: IPF patients underwent 6-minute pegboard and ring test (6PBRT), Unsupported Upper Extremity Exercise Test (UULEX), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), 1-Minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1MSTST), Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), London Chest Activities of Daily Living Scale (LCADL), and St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ).

Results: Moderate correlation was found between 6PBRT and 6MWT (r=0.516, p=0.017), 1MSTST (r=0.612, p=0.003), and UULEX (r=0.614, p=0.003). Negative correlations were observed between 6PBRT and mMRC (r=-0.482, p=0.027), GAP Index (r=-0.453, p=0.039), and LCADL-Leisure (r=-0.519, p=0.016). In multiple linear regression analysis, 6MWT distance and GAP Index explained 30% of the variance in 6PBRT (R²=0.303, p=0.039). Additionally, UULEX was negatively correlated with mMRC, FSS, LCADL, and SGRQ scores.

Conclusions: The 6PBRT shows moderate associations with lower extremity performance and cardiopulmonary capacity, supporting its use in assessing upper extremity function in IPF patients. Clinically, 6PBRT and UULEX may complement lower extremity tests in comprehensive IPF assessment.

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