Evaluation of static and dynamic stability and fall risk in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic health problem that has affected about seven million Brazilians over the past 40 years. Studies have shown that chronic diseases, including COPD, may directly or indirectly contribute to an increase in the risk of falls. Objective: To carry out a systematic review of the cross-sectional studies that assessed the dynamic and static body balance and the risk of falls in patients with COPD. Methods: Search strategy: articles were searched in PubMed, BIREME, CINAHL and COCHRANE electronic databases including publications from January 1960 to November 2014. Selection Criteria: complete cross-sectional studies that included a control group of healthy people, published in any language. The inclusion criteria for the outcomes were assessments of postural balance and risk of falling in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Data extraction: Independent extraction of articles by two reviewers which were later analyzed for their methodological quality using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Scale to assess observational studies. Results: Eight articles were included in this review. A variety of evaluation methods was used, including the Berg Balance scale, Functional Reach test, a Questionnaire on Personal Histories and Consequences of Falls and tests on the force platform. A total of 1887 subjects of both genders were studied (1417 individuals with COPD and 470 healthy individuals). Conclusion: The data suggest that patients with COPD present with impaired body balance and increased risk of fall. However, due to the methodological limitations of the studies included in this review, further well designed studies on this issue are recommended.