Investigation of Factors Associated with Fall Risk in Lung Cancer Survivors

Abstract

Introduction: Although different factors related to falling in mixed group patients were defined in the studies, the factors associated with falling in only lung cancer survivors were not examined.

Aim: To examine the clinical and functional factors associated with falls in lung cancer survivors.

Methods: Sixty lung cancer survivors (Man/Women:43/17, Median age;63(61/ 69) years, body mass index [BMI]; 26(23/27)kg/m2). Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), New York Posture Analysis(NYPA), lower extremity muscle test by hand held dynamometer, respiratory functions by spirometer, Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale were evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of falls in the last year.

Results: Seventeen of the patients (28.3%) had a history of falling. Age, BMI, cigarette consumption, time elapsed since diagnosis, lung volume and capacity values, and NYPA scores of patients with and without a history of falling were similar (p>0.05). In the group with a history of falling, the percentage of patients receiving chemotherapy, emergency admission, hospitalization, TUG duration, dyspnea severity were higher, lower extremity muscle strength and maximal inspiratory pressure were found to be lower (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Our study results showed that the rate of receiving chemotherapy, emergency admission, hospitalization, and perceived shortness of breath were higher and dynamic balance, lower extremity and inspiratory muscle strength were lower in patients with a history of falling. Defining the risk factors for falls after lung cancer treatment may be necessary for clinicians working in the field to detect problems that may occur in the future and for a preventive approach.