Balance Training in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Study Overview
=================
Brief Summary
-----------------
A growing body of evidence suggests that individuals with chronic lung disease have important deficits in balance control that may be associated with an increased risk of falls. The main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of a balance training program on measures of balance and fall risk in people with chronic lung disease.

Official Title
-----------------
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Balance Training in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Conditions
-----------------
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Intervention / Treatment
-----------------
* Behavioral: Balance training program


Participation Criteria
=================
Eligibility Criteria
-----------------
Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of COPD; a self-report of decline in balance or fall in the last 5 years or a recent near fall; smoking history greater than 10 pack years; and are able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Inability to communicate because of language skills, hearing or cognitive impairment; and evidence of a neurological or musculoskeletal condition that severely limits mobility and postural control (e.g., cerebrovascular accident, advanced Parkinson's disease, amputation).
Sexes Eligible for Study
-----------------
All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
-----------------
No

Study Plan
=================
How is the study designed?
-----------------

Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Balance Training<br>The treatment group will complete a specific balance training program in addition to conventional pulmonary rehabilitation. | Behavioral: Balance training program<br>* Training will consist of 30 minute sessions 3 times/week for 6 weeks in keeping with best practice guidelines for older adults. Sessions will be supervised by physical therapists, using a circuit training approach with different stations designed to target specific areas of impairment. Participants will work through stations in a group setting; however, will receive individualized exercise prescription regarding level of difficulty and exercise progression.<br>|
| No Intervention: Usual care<br>The control group will undergo the usual pulmonary rehabilitation program offered at our centre with no additional balance training classes. | |

What is the study measuring?
-----------------
Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Berg Balance Scale |  | All outcomes will be assessed upon admission to pulmonary rehabilitation (baseline) and again upon completion of the program, an expected average of 6 weeks from baseline. | 
| Balance Evaluation Systems Test |  | At baseline and 6 weeks. | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Balance confidence/falls self-efficacy |  | At baseline and 6 weeks. | 
| Functional strength |  | At baseline and 6 weeks. | 
| Self-reported physical function |  | At baseline and 6 weeks. |