Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
07:10
Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Functional balance in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Cristina Jácome1, Joana Cruz, Raquel Gabriel
1School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro ESSUA, Aveiro, Portugal.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
|August 7, 2013
Summary
Functional balance impairment is common in older adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), affecting nearly half of patients. Assessment is crucial across all COPD stages to identify risks and guide interventions.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Pulmonology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) significantly impacts older adults' health.
- Functional balance is critical for mobility and independence in aging populations.
- Understanding balance deficits in COPD is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate functional balance in older adults across all COPD grades.
- To identify predictors of balance impairment in COPD patients.
- To emphasize the need for balance assessment in COPD management.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 160 outpatients with COPD (mean age 72.2 years).
- Functional balance assessed using the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.
- Impairment defined by TUG scores exceeding normative values for healthy adults.
Main Results:
- 44.4% of participants exhibited functional balance impairment.
- Impairment was more prevalent in severe to very severe COPD (62.5%).
- Predictors included BMI, medication count, activity restriction, and depression score.
Conclusions:
- Functional balance impairment occurs even in early stages of COPD.
- Balance deficits become more pronounced with COPD severity.
- Routine balance assessment is recommended for all COPD patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Managing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a multifaceted approach to reduce symptoms, prevent exacerbations, improve overall health status, and slow disease progression. Key strategies include lifestyle modifications, pharmacotherapy, supportive therapies, and, in some cases, surgery. Here is an overview of the primary COPD management strategies:
Smoking Cessation
Smoking Cessation
01:30Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Nursing Management
Nursing management of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is crucial for providing thorough care and support to patients. Nurses play an integral role in this process through detailed assessment, careful planning, targeted interventions, and ongoing evaluation. Here's an overview of the critical steps in nursing management for COPD.
Assessment
Assessment
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
01:20Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
01:27Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Assessing and diagnosing Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) involves a detailed approach that includes a comprehensive review of medical history, physical examination, and a variety of diagnostic tests. This thorough evaluation is essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and guide effective management strategies.
Medical History
Medical History
01:25Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Understanding the variety of primary symptoms and systemic complications that characterize chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is crucial for healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD: