Fear of falling, balance and associated disease-related factors in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Lower muscle strength, impaired balance and reduced exercise capacity are physical function factors known to be associated with increased fear of falling (FOF) in older adults, however, there is litle knowledge about the relationship between FOF and these factors in patients with COPD. This study aims to compare the level of FOF and balance in patients with COPD with healthy controls, and to determine the associations between disease-related factors and FOF and measures of physical function and physical activity in COPD. METHODS: FOF was assessed in 55 (10 female and 45 male) participants with COPD and 55 age- and gender-matched controls using the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES). Physical function was evaluated using quadriceps femoris muscle strength with manual muscle test, hand grip strength with Jamar hand dynamometry, the Berg Balance Scale, one leg stand and the Six-minute Walk Test. Physical activity level was evaluated with Godin Leisure-Time Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: Patients with COPD (mean age 68,50±8,15, FEV1: 44,79±18,18 %pred) had higher FOF compared to controls (FES: 43,85±25,91 vs 25.16±12,47, p=0.00). There were significant difference between groups in quadriceps and hand grip strength, BBS, one leg stand, functional capacity and physical activity level (p<0.05). Higher FOF in COPD was associated with lower quadriceps, hand grip strength, impaired balance, reduced physical activity level. CONCLUSIONS: These findings may guide future therapeutic strategies aiming to reduce FOF in COPD. Balance training and approaches to reduce fear of falling can be added into the components of pulmonary.