Author/Authors :
Jirange, Priyanka Department of Physiotherapy - Manipal College of Health Professions - Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India , Vaishali, K. Department of Physiotherapy - Manipal College of Health Professions - Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India , Kumar Sinha, Mukesh Department of Physiotherapy - Manipal College of Health Professions - Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India , Chakravarthy Bairapareddy, Kalyana Department of Physiotherapy - College of Health Sciences - University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE , Krishna Alaparthi, Gopala Department of Physiotherapy - College of Health Sciences - University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
Abstract :
Background. The gait abnormalities were linked to the balance deficits in the previous studies. However, the deviations in the gait
parameters in COPD are currently not known. The study aims to compare gait parameters, static and dynamic balance, and risk of
falls in COPD with those in non-COPD individuals. Method. Fourty-two patients with COPD aged 45 years and gender-matched
control subjects were included in the study. Gait parameters were assessed by Win-Track gait analyzer, the static balance was
assessed by posturography, and the dynamic balance was assessed by the time up and go test. +e fear of falls was assessed by Falls
Efficacy Scale. Results. COPD individuals had decreased static and dynamic balance as assessed by posturography (p < 0.05) and
TUG (p < 0.01), respectively. A significant difference in swing duration (p = 0.004) and also increased risk of falls (p < 0.01) was
observed in COPD patients as compared to non-COPD individuals. Conclusion. COPD individuals have increased swing duration, reduced static and dynamic balance, and increased fear of falls as compared to non-COPD individuals.
