title: Global Functioning of COPD Patients With and Without Functional Balance Impairment: An Exploratory Analysis Based on the ICF Framework.
abstract: Balance impairment is a common manifestation in older people with COPD and may contribute to overall functional decline; however, the relationship between balance and global functioning has not been studied. This study aimed to explore the global functioning of COPD patients with and without functional balance impairment. Functional balance was assessed with the Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test and global functioning with the Comprehensive ICF Core Set for Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases. Participants (n = 134) were divided in 2 groups according to their performance in TUG (with and without balance impairment) and the ICF Core Set results were compared between groups. Fifty-four (40.3%) participants had functional balance impairment. The groups presented a similar extent of problems in several categories of the ICF components. However, participants with balance impairment were more severely affected (p < 0.05) in energy, pain, respiratory system, weight maintenance, exercise tolerance, neuromusculoskeletal and movement-related functions, and structure of head and neck. They also presented a significantly worse performance in handling psychological demands and activities related to mobility, self-care, domestic, community and social life, and a more negative perception of Environmental factors related to products and technology of buildings for private use and social support services (p < 0.05). Patients with functional balance impairment have more functional problems and are more severely restricted in daily life than patients without compromised balance. Understanding the relationship between balance control and global functioning will contribute to guide interventions aimed at maintaining functioning and minimizing disability.
authors.affiliation: 1Department of Health Sciences (SACS), University of Aveiro , Aveiro , Portugal.
authors.forename: Joana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cruz
authors.forename: Alda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Marques
authors.forename: Cristina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jácome
authors.forename: Raquel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gabriel
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Figueiredo
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
keywords: ICF Core Set; balance; disability; functioning; rehabilitation