Day III: Saturday, March 25, 2023; 9.00 AM Plumeria 2: Physiotherapy in Cardiorespiratory conditions: AB No: 2 Association between Nutritional status and respiratory muscle strength in Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB). American Thoracic Society-MECOR Research Award Funded

<b>Purpose:</b> In patients with PTB there is altered metabolism with inflammatory process, immune responses leading to proteolysis of muscle, decreased muscle mass and mechanical overload on the muscles causing respiratory and peripheral muscle weakness.Hypoalbuminemia represents poor nutritional status and chronic inflammation.Few studies report significant association between low baseline measures of serum albumin and subsequent decline in muscle mass and grip strength (peripheral muscle) in elderly. There is a significant gap in literature on the respiratory muscle strength in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. <b>Participants:</b> Twenty six adults,newly diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis (Drug susceptible) visiting respiratory OPD consecutively. Age and gender matched subjects were recruited as controls. <b>Methods:</b> Cross-sectional and Observational study. Demographic data and serum albumin levels were noted when diagnosed with PTB. After completion of Anti-tuberculosis treatment, Respiratory muscle strength was measured as Maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and Maximal expiratory pressure (MEP). <b>Results:</b> Comparing the median of MIP and MEP between the groups, there was a significant difference at p< 0.001. Spearman correlation showed a significant association between MIP and Albumin in PTB patients at p< 0.05. <b>Conclusion:</b> There is an association between Serum albumin level at diagnosis with PTB and respiratory muscle strength especially MIP at the end of the Anti-tuberculosis treatment in PTB. Adding inspiratory muscle training in the rehabilitation of PTB must be considered as future work. <b>Implications:</b> Respiratory muscle strength training should be incorporated in pulmonary rehabilitation programs in persons with PTB.