Relationship between postural balance, lung function, nutritional status and functional capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Summary Objectives The aim of this study is to explore relationships between balance deficit and disease-related factor such as lung function, nutritional status and exercise capacity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods This was a cross-sectional study in which adults with COPD underwent pulmonary function testing (plethysmography), 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and nutritional status assessment using Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). Body balance was quantified using Timed UP and GO test (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Tinetti test and Unipodal Stance test (UST). Results Fifty-eight patients with COPD completed the investigation. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), Tiffeneau index, 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) and dyspnea were significantly lower in COPD patients with low scores (at risk) in all assessment balance tests. The MNA score was very significantly lower in COPD patients who have an “at risk” score in TUG and Tinetti test. Similarly, it was lower in patient with “at risk”score in BBS and UST. All balance tests were associated significantly to FEV1, MNA and dyspnea max and to Tiffeneau index and BMI. The 6MWD was correlated with TUG, BBS and Tinetti test but not with UST. Conclusion The present study confirms that body balance limitation is associated with lung function and nutritional status and exercise tolerance in COPD patients.