Determining the Best Predictor of Future Falls in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Advisor Information
Jennifer Yentes
Location
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Presentation Type
Poster
Start Date
4-3-2016 12:45 PM
End Date
4-3-2016 2:15 PM
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked with muscle fatigue and weakness, along with balance defects and an increased risk of accidental falls. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine different balance tests to see which would be a predictor of future falls in this population. Seven patients with COPD completed balance measures. The functional tests included: the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Motor Control Test (MCT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. The SOT assessed equilibrium. The MCT assessed the ability of the motor system to recover following an unexpected perturbation. The TUG assessed fall risk. The FAB tested both static and dynamic balance under varying conditions. The subjective measures included: Activities Specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC) and the modified Falls Efficacy Scale (mFES) ranking subject confidence in performing activities without losing balance. After completing all balance testing, subjects were contacted via phone call once a week for 6 months inquiring if they have fallen or felt unsteady. A Spearman rho rank-order correlational coefficient was performed on the ranked data from each balance test and their ranking of falls/unsteadiness. Unsteadiness was strongly correlated with the TUG and moderately correlated with the SOT and mFES. Our pilot study suggests, patients with COPD who take longer periods of time to complete the TUG report an increased number of times of being unsteady. The results to date of this pilot study suggest the TUG is the best predictor of future falls in patients with COPD.
Determining the Best Predictor of Future Falls in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is linked with muscle fatigue and weakness, along with balance defects and an increased risk of accidental falls. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine different balance tests to see which would be a predictor of future falls in this population. Seven patients with COPD completed balance measures. The functional tests included: the Sensory Organization Test (SOT), Motor Control Test (MCT), Timed Up and Go (TUG), and the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) scale. The SOT assessed equilibrium. The MCT assessed the ability of the motor system to recover following an unexpected perturbation. The TUG assessed fall risk. The FAB tested both static and dynamic balance under varying conditions. The subjective measures included: Activities Specific Balance Confidence scale (ABC) and the modified Falls Efficacy Scale (mFES) ranking subject confidence in performing activities without losing balance. After completing all balance testing, subjects were contacted via phone call once a week for 6 months inquiring if they have fallen or felt unsteady. A Spearman rho rank-order correlational coefficient was performed on the ranked data from each balance test and their ranking of falls/unsteadiness. Unsteadiness was strongly correlated with the TUG and moderately correlated with the SOT and mFES. Our pilot study suggests, patients with COPD who take longer periods of time to complete the TUG report an increased number of times of being unsteady. The results to date of this pilot study suggest the TUG is the best predictor of future falls in patients with COPD.