Posturography using video game of individuals with COPD compared to healthy elderly

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> The physical and postural changes of aging associated with other comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and extrapulmonary manifestations can cause greater intolerance to exertion, sedentary lifestyle and balance changes. <b>Objective:</b> Analyze the postural balance with posturography using vídeo game with Wii Balance Board® (WBB) of individuals with COPD compared to healthy elderly. <b>Methodology:</b> Cross-sectional study, composed by volunteers of both sexes, diagnosed with COPD and healthy elderly volunteers, both were submitted to evaluations of anthropometric data, postural balance with clinical posturography using the WBB, under conditions eyes open (EO), blindfolded (BF), eyes open on unstable surface (EOUS) and blindfolded on unstable surface (BFUS). <b>Results:</b> 19 participants, 9 with COPD, 2 women and 7 men, with a mean age of 66.5 years, and 10 healthy elderly, for the group control, 5 women and 5 men, with a mean age of 62.8 years. In posturography, although the COPD group presented a greater Ellipse area in the EO, BF, EOUS, BFUS conditions, there was no significant difference, the COPD group presented greater length and higher speed in all conditions, with a significant difference in all variables analyzed. <b>Conclusion:</b> The results Suggest that there may be changes in postural balance in clinical posturography, under different conditions of vision and stability in participants with COPD. In addition, the blindfolded (BF) condition resulted in worse balance in all subjects studied, with worsening on unstable ground (EOUS).