Physiological Determinants of Functional Capacity and Quality of Life Among Adults with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Attending Chest Clinics in Kogi State, North Central Nigeria

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease imposes substantial physiological limitations on functional capacity through airflow obstruction, dynamic hyperinflation, and skeletal muscle dysfunction. Quality of life deteriorates in proportion to physiological burden. Professional-level characterisation of functional capacity and its physiological determinants in Nigerian chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients outside major cities is lacking. Objectives: This study aims to assess spirometric disease severity, six-minute walk distance as a measure of functional capacity, peripheral muscle strength, resting oxygen saturation, and quality of life scores among chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients at the Lokoja General Hospital chest clinic in Kogi State. Methods: Sixty confirmed Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease stage II to IV chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients will be recruited. Spirometry, six-minute walk distance, quadriceps and biceps strength by hand-held dynamometry, pulse oximetry, and the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire will be administered. Pearson correlation and stepwise regression will identify physiological predictors of quality of life. Expected Outcomes: Forced expiratory volume in one second, six-minute walk distance, and quadriceps strength are anticipated to independently predict quality of life scores, with muscle dysfunction explaining variance beyond airflow limitation alone. Conclusion: Findings will advocate for pulmonary rehabilitation programmes addressing both ventilatory and peripheral muscle physiology in Nigerian chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management. Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, functional capacity, six-minute walk, muscle strength, Kogi State.