Does Pulmonary Rehabilitation Improve Balance in People With Respiratory Disease?

The purpose of this study is to determine whether participation in pulmonary rehabilitation improves balance in people with respiratory disease.

Falls and chronic respiratory are two major health concerns affecting morbidity and mortality in older adults. Several factors that predispose falls, such as reduced balance, have been documented in people with respiratory disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation programs, which involve customized exercise prescription, are recommended to improve quality of life and disease management in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). There are many documented benefits to participation in such programs; however, the impact on balance and other falls risk factors has not previously been investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the effect of a pulmonary rehabilitation program on balance and falls risk factors in individuals with respiratory disease. This study will enhance the current management of respiratory disease by improving our understanding of the effects of pulmonary rehabilitation.

Pulmonary rehabilitation involves the prescription of customized exercise programs and education on disease management.

Standing balance was measured using a force plate (AMTI, Watertown, MA, USA) from which centre of pressure (COP) trajectories were derived at a sampling frequency of 100Hz. Participants stood on the force plate during the following two conditions: normal stance (feet hip-width apart) with eyes open and eyes closed.

Dynamic balance was measured using the timed up and go (TUG) and Four Square Step Test (FSST). For the TUG, the time taken for the subject to stand from a chair, walk 3 m, turn around and return to the chair was recorded {Podsiadlo, 1991 #31}. Subjects were asked to do this as quickly and safely as possible. High test-retest reliability of the TUG has been reported in older community-dwelling individuals {Steffen, 2002 #34}. In the FSST, subjects were asked to step to four corners of a square in a clockwise and then counter-clockwise direction as quickly as possible {Dite, 2002 #1181}. The time taken to complete this circuit was recorded. This test has been shown to have high inter-rater and test-retest reliability {Dite, 2002 #1181}.

Standing balance was measured using a force plate (AMTI, Watertown, MA, USA) from which centre of pressure (COP) trajectories were derived at a sampling frequency of 100Hz. Participants stood on the force plate during the following two conditions: normal stance (feet hip-width apart) with eyes open and eyes closed.

Standing balance was measured using a force plate (AMTI, Watertown, MA, USA) from which centre of pressure (COP) trajectories were derived at a sampling frequency of 100Hz. Participants stood on the force plate during the following two conditions: normal stance (feet hip-width apart) with eyes open and eyes closed.

Activity-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) scale measures balance confidence during sixteen activities of progressive difficulty, such as going up and down stairs, reaching for objects and walking in crowded areas {Powell, 1995 #5}. It asks subjects to rate their level of confidence in performing an activity without losing balance on an 11-point scale ranging from 0% (no confidence) to 100% (completely confident). The score is calculated as the average score for each item. This questionnaire has been shown to be sensitive to detect changes in function following rehabilitation {Myers, 1998 #6} and has proven internal consistency and test-retest reliability {Powell, 1995 #5}.

The Falls Efficacy Scale International (FESI) assesses fear of falling during a range of physical and social activities {Yardley, 2005 #1}. It asks about an individual's concern about the possibility of following during participation in sixteen common activities, such as cleaning the house, ascending and descending stairs and walking in various environmental conditions. Answers range from 1, "not at all" concerned, to 4, "very" concerned, on a 4-point scale, and score is calculated as the average response. This questionnaire has been shown to have excellent internal and test-retest reliability {Yardley, 2005 #1}.

The COPD Self-Efficacy Scale evaluates level of confidence in ability to manage or avoid breathing difficulty during a range of situations such as feeling frustrated and lifting heavy objects {Wigal, 1991 #3}. Possible answers range from "very confident" (5 points) to "not at all confident" (1 point) and the average score per question is calculated. This scale has been shown to have excellent internal consistency and good test-retest reliability.

Inclusion Criteria: Clinical diagnosis of lung disease Committed to regular attendance at pulmonary rehabilitation program A forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) < 80% of predicted No change in medications for the past 2 months Exclusion Criteria: Unstable cardiac disease Neurological conditions Musculoskeletal conditions that prevent participation in exercise sessions.

Smith MD, Harvey EH, van den Hoorn W, Shay BL, Pereira GM, Hodges PW. Out-Patient Pulmonary Rehabilitation Improves Medial-Lateral Balance in Subjects With Chronic Respiratory Disease: Proof-of-Concept Study. Respir Care. 2016 Apr;61(4):510-20. doi: 10.4187/respcare.04109. Epub 2016 Jan 26.