Article

It has recently been suggested that people with chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease have an increased risk of falls. Although falls risk is
multifactorial, impaired balance may contribute.
The primary aim of this study
was to compare balance between people with and without chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease and the secondary aim was to determine if balance deteriorates
when respiratory demand is increased by upper limb exercise. METHODS: Twelve
people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 12 healthy control subjects
participated in this study. Participants stood on a force plate to record centre
of pressure displacement during a range of conditions that challenge balance.
Lumbar spine and hip motion were measured with inclinometers. Balance trials were
performed before and after participation in upper limb exercise that increased
respiratory demand in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. FINDINGS:
People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had increased mediolateral
centre of pressure displacement and increased angular motion of the hip compared
to healthy controls. Mediolateral centre of pressure displacement was further
increased in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease following
exercise, but unchanged in controls. Anteroposterior centre of pressure
displacement did not differ between groups. INTERPRETATION:
People with chronic
obstructive pulmonary disease have reduced control of balance in the mediolateral
direction. This may contribute to an increased risk of falls in this population.
CI - Copyright 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS