Understanding the molecular basis for quadriceps weakness in COPD
Our major research effort is presently focused on understanding quadriceps weakness in COPD. We were the first to describe how quadriceps muscle function could be non-volitionally assessed in patients with lung disease [1, 2] and showed that amongst patients with moderate to severe disease that this predicts survival better than indices of lung function [3].
We are presently engaged in studies aimed at understanding the molecular basis for quadriceps weakness with academic and industrial partners and to this end have established an active biopsy program. A particular strength of our group is that we have access to diverse clinical models including patients with non-respiratory lung disease (e.g. chest wall disorder), diaphragm biopsies [4], patients with acute exacerbation (collaboration with Dr Hopkinson and the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital) and rehabilitation (including a recent clinician scientist award to Dr Man).
References
- Polkey, M. I., D. Kyroussis, C.-H. Hamnegard, G. H. Mills, M. Green, and J. Moxham. 1996. Quadriceps strength and fatigue assessed by magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve in man. Muscle Nerve 19:549-55.
- Swallow, E. B., H. R. Gosker, K. A. Ward, A. J. Moore, M. J. Dayer, N. S. Hopkinson, A. M. Schols, J. Moxham, and M. I. Polkey. 2007. A novel technique for nonvolitional assessment of quadriceps muscle endurance in humans. J Appl Physiol 103(3):739-46.
- Swallow, E. B., D. Reyes, N. S. Hopkinson, W. D. Man, R. Porcher, E. J. Cetti, A. J. Moore, J. Moxham, and M. I. Polkey. 2007. Quadriceps strength predicts mortality in patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Thorax 62(2):115-20.
- Moore, A. J., A. Stubbings, E. B. Swallow, M. Dusmet, P. Goldstraw, R. Porcher, J. Moxham, M. I. Polkey, and M. A. Ferenczi. 2006. Passive Properties of the Diaphragm in COPD. J Appl Physiol.
