The impact of a rehabilitation program on static, locomotion, and balance impairments in COPD patients

Abstract

Aim and Objectives: Investigating balance impairments and developing a structured rehabilitation plan can significantly improve the safety and reduce the risk of falls in COPD patients. Material and methods: The study included ten patients with severe to very severe COPD who comprised the intervention group, and ten mild COPD patients who comprised the control group, with similar demographic data. Tests were used to assess balance and gait. Results: The intervention group was associated with worse outcomes in the initial evaluation of the balance tests, consisting of SLS, TUG, and 6MWT. However, at the end of the rehabilitation program, the intervention group registered an increase in SLS time and 6MWT distance and a decrease in TUG test time. Conclusions: Following a 3-week rehabilitation program, patients with severe to very severe COPD decreased the risk of falls and showed a higher independence rate.