Evaluation of falls in recurrent COPD fallers: a cross-sectional and follow-up study

<bold>Background:</bold> Individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) have an increased fall risk and a high rate of recurrent fallers. <bold>Aim:</bold> To assess postural balance in recurrent COPD fallers. <bold>Methods:</bold> Individuals with moderate to very severe COPD were included. Postural balance was assessed using a Force Platform, and the center of pressure (CoP) was evaluated in 'neutral' and 'semi-tandem' positions at rest and after moderate physical exertion (4 to 7 Borg scale). Participants were then followed for three months and separated into non-fallers (NF) and recurrent fallers (RF, more than two falls in the three months). <bold>Results:</bold> Fifty-six individuals (67±7 years and FEV1 45±15 %pred.) were divided into NF (n=39) and RF (n=17) groups. No between-group difference was observed in age and lung function, as well as in the postural balance at rest and the 'neutral position'. However, after physical exertion, the RF group showed a greater CoP displacement in mediolateral and anteroposterior (2.5±1.4 vs. 1.6±0.8 and 3.5±2.0 vs. 2.5±1.0cm, respectively; p<0.05). In addition, the RF also presented a greater mediolateral (3.4±0.8 vs. 2.8±0.9cm) and total displacements (86.3±31.3 vs. 69.0±25.9cm) at rest in 'semi-tandem' than the NF group. A greater mediolateral, anteroposterior, and total CoP displacement after physical exertion in ''semi-tandem', (3.5±0.8 vs. 2.8±0.9cm), (3.2±1.4 vs. 2.3±0.8cm) and (90.3±36.1 vs. 69.4±25.4cm), was also observed in the RF than NF group. Lastly, 87.2% of the RF group fell at home, and 51.0% of falls occurred during walking activities. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Changes in the postural balance of recurrent COPD fallers are observed after physical exertion or in a semi-tandem position.