Which component is NOT part of the BODE index for COPD patients?

The BODE index is a multidimensional tool used to assess the severity and prognosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. It includes four main components:

• Body mass index (BMI) assesses nutritional status, with lower BMI indicating a worse prognosis.

• Airway obstruction measurement evaluates the severity of airflow limitation, typically measured by forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).

• Exercise capacity is measured using the 6-minute walk test, which gauges a patient's functional status and endurance.

Although the strength of the respiratory muscles plays a significant role in overall respiratory function in COPD patients, it is not one of the components included in the BODE index. The BODE index focuses on BMI, airway obstruction, and exercise capacity as its primary markers of disease impact and prognosis, reflecting the multidimensional nature of COPD management.