Balance, Walking Speed, Quadriceps Femoris Muscle Strength and Quality of Life in Falling and Non-falling Individuals With COPD

Falls in the elderly can have devastating consequences. The ability to maintain stability and balance is critical for functional independence, mobility, and avoidance of falls in activities of daily living. An impaired balance is associated with an increased risk of falls and causes a higher mortality rate among older adults. Balance impairment is independently associated with falls in patients with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Well-known risk factors for falls in individuals with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease include advanced age, increased comorbidities, dyspnea, physical inactivity, muscle weakness, fear and decreased balance confidence, as well as lower extremity muscle weakness. It has been reported that there are functional deficiencies, lack of performance and postural control. According to the results of a recent study, it was found that Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is in the second place after osteoarthritis in chronic conditions where the prevalence of falls is highest. The prevalence of falls in individuals with Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is estimated to range from 25% to 46%.

Inclusion criteria

• Being diagnosed with COPD according to criteria
• Not having had an attack in the last 2 months
• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Being 65 years or older
• Not having any mental or communication problems that prevent filling out the surveys to be used in the research.

Exclusion criteria

• Having unstable COPD
• Unstable angina, previous Myocardial Infarction, uncontrolled hypertension, cancer, neurological or musculoskeletal diseases with functional limitations
• Being currently addicted to alcohol or drugs
• Being in the process of COPD exacerbation
• Having severe vision and hearing problems
• Having severe cognitive impairment
• Having had major surgery in the last few months