RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Late-breaking abstract: Assessment of variability in 6-min walk speed in patients with COPD using the gait real-time analysis interactive lab (GRAIL) JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP P4482 VO 44 IS Suppl 58 A1 Wai-Yan Liu A1 Kenneth Meijer A1 Jeannet. M. Delbressine A1 Emiel F.M. Wouters A1 Martijn A. Spruit YR 2014 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4482.abstract AB BackgroundPatients with COPD are prone to falls. However, detailed information about gait pattern in patients with COPD is lacking. The GRAIL is a dedicated solution for continuous gait analysis, using a novel self-paced treadmill, motion capture system and synchronized virtual reality environment.AimTo assess variability in 6-min walk speed in COPD patients.Method4 COPD patients (GOLD II-IV; 1 male; mean age 59.2±7.3 years; BMI 27.8±6.7 kg/m2; FEV1 pred: 54.5±12.0%) performed two 6MWT on the GRAIL, using a self-paced treadmill synchronised with a hallway presented in virtual reality. 6-min walk speed was assessed continuously.ResultsView this table:Characteristics of subjects in two 6MWTPatients walked further during the second 6MWT. Modulation in 6-min walk speed was visible in all subjects during all tests.ConclusionThese pilot data show a clear variability in walking speed during 6MWT in patients with COPD. These results point towards balance disturbances and, in turn, a higher fall risk in COPD patients.