Purpose: To explore the relationship between functional performance, using categories of Body Mass Index (BMI) and truncal fat in elderly persons with COPD.

Design and Method: The authors used a descriptive, cross-sectional design. Subjects were screened through physical examination, spirometry testing, and a 4-minute walk. After enrollment, subjects performed a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and upper body functional performance test (UBFPT) on two visits, four weeks apart; a whole-body DEXA scan and anthropometrics to measure truncal fat and waist-to-hip ratios. Grouped into normal weight, overweight, or obese according to body mass index. Functional Performance Inventory (FPI) questionnaire used to measure functional performance.

Results: 76 subjects aged 55 years and older with mild to severe COPD classified as normal to moderately obese. There was no significant difference in Total FPI scores between the normal weight (2.05 ± 0.38); overweight (2.03 ± 0.44); and obese (2.09 ± 0.45) groups. All groups reported moderate level of performance. Disease severity was negatively associated with BMI. Percent truncal fat significantly differentiated the normal weight group from the other two groups (F(2, 73) = 28.33, p < .001). Waist-to-hip ratio was significantly and negatively correlated with functional performance (-.295, p < .001).

Conclusion: (1) percent truncal fat may be a factor in the performance of daily activities of people with COPD; and (2) mild to moderate obesity may not have any significant effect on functional performance of elderly people with COPD.

Key words: Obesity, COPD, Functional Performance, Elderly, BMI.