RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Evaluation of balance and investigation of its influences in patients with COPD
JF European Respiratory Journal
JO Eur Respir J
FD European Respiratory Society
SP P1280
VO 44
IS Suppl 58
A1 Serap Acar
A1 Ismail Özsoy
A1 Buse Özcan
A1 Sema Savci
A1 Sevgi Özalevli
A1 Atila Akkoçlu
YR 2014
UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P1280.abstract
AB Introduction and Objective: It has been reported in recent studies that balance disorders and fall risks increases in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of this study was to determine the risk of falling, balance exposure and related factors in patients with COPD.Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients with COPD (mean age: 66.64 ± 9.22 years) and sixteen healthy individuals (mean age: 69.43 ± 4.88 years) were studied. Pulmonary function test was performed. Exercise capacity was assessed with 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and history of falls was questioned. Balance was evaluated with Berg Balance Test and Neurocom Balance Master System. Quadriceps muscle strength was measured by hand-held dynomometer.Results: Pulmonary function test values and walking distances of COPD patients were statistically significantly lower than the healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Diastolic blood pressure and peripheral oxygen saturation changes during 6MWT was higher to the detriment of COPD patients compared to helathy individuals (p < 0.05). Fall incidance for the past year was statistically significantly higher in the COPD group (p < 0.05). The balance test results of the both groups and reaction time values which was obtained from the limits of stability test, were statistically significantly different (p <0.05). Conclusion: Because of impaired respiratory and cardiac function, inactivity and poor muscle strength it is thought that the result of longer reaction time in patients with COPD compared to helathy individuals affects the balance and improves the fall risk.