Advisor Information

Jennifer Yentes

Location

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

Presentation Type

Poster

Start Date

2-3-2018 2:15 PM

End Date

2-3-2018 3:30 PM

Abstract

A Comparison in Balance of Smokers and Never-Smokers

RJ Barber, Jennifer Yentes

The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA

email: robertbarber@unomaha.edu

In the United States, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the third leading cause of death. Typically considered a pulmonary disease define by airflow limitation, COPD is also characterized by the frequent association of complications outside the lung. This includes problems with function, like balance. For example, side-to-side balance is different in patients with COPD compared to controls and is further affected when sensory systems are challenged (e.g., eyes closed or uneven surface). Smoking increases the risk for onset of COPD, therefore the objective of this study is to investigate balance in smokers, prior to a COPD diagnosis. It is hypothesized that smokers will demonstrate balance problems, compared to never-smokers. 8 healthy, 30-69 year old subjects, including three smokers and five never-smokers, have been recruited. The smokers self-reported smoking at least 15 years; the never-smokers reported having smoked less than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Four trials were performed under normal standing and standing on an uneven surface using an Airex® balance pad, with both, eyes open and eyes closed. Patterns in their postural sway were analyzed using force platform data of the four trials. Participants also completed three different clinical balance tests to determine deficits in balance. Results show differences in regularity of sway patterns between smokers and never-smokers.

COinS
 
Mar 2nd, 2:15 PM Mar 2nd, 3:30 PM

A Comparison in balance of Smokers and Never-Smokers

Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Library

A Comparison in Balance of Smokers and Never-Smokers

RJ Barber, Jennifer Yentes

The University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, NE, USA

email: robertbarber@unomaha.edu

In the United States, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is currently the third leading cause of death. Typically considered a pulmonary disease define by airflow limitation, COPD is also characterized by the frequent association of complications outside the lung. This includes problems with function, like balance. For example, side-to-side balance is different in patients with COPD compared to controls and is further affected when sensory systems are challenged (e.g., eyes closed or uneven surface). Smoking increases the risk for onset of COPD, therefore the objective of this study is to investigate balance in smokers, prior to a COPD diagnosis. It is hypothesized that smokers will demonstrate balance problems, compared to never-smokers. 8 healthy, 30-69 year old subjects, including three smokers and five never-smokers, have been recruited. The smokers self-reported smoking at least 15 years; the never-smokers reported having smoked less than 100 cigarettes in their lifetime. Four trials were performed under normal standing and standing on an uneven surface using an Airex® balance pad, with both, eyes open and eyes closed. Patterns in their postural sway were analyzed using force platform data of the four trials. Participants also completed three different clinical balance tests to determine deficits in balance. Results show differences in regularity of sway patterns between smokers and never-smokers.