Balance training for fall reduction in individuals with COPD
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Randomized controlled trial of balance training for fall reduction in individuals with COPD
IRAS ID
218161
Contact name
Samantha Harrison
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Toronto
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 11 months, 28 days
Research summary
Individuals living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) have problems with their balance and a high incidence of falls compared to those of a similar age. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is recommended for individuals with COPD, however, these training programs do not typically include balance training or fall prevention strategies. Falls in this population can have significant health and economic consequences. Our primary objective is to examine the effect of a tailored balance exercise program for reducing falls in individuals with COPD who are enrolled in PR. Secondary objectives are to determine 1) the long-term effects of the program on measures of balance, balance confidence and muscle strength and 2) the cost-utility of the program. A multi-centre, prospective, randomized controlled trial funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) will be undertaken. Participants will be recruited from PR programs at 10 sites across four countries (UK, Canada, Portugal and Australia). Patients with COPD enrolled in a PR program who report problems with their balance or have had a fall in the last two years and consent to participating in the study will be assigned to an intervention group (standard PR plus balance training) or control group (standard PR). Participants in the intervention group will receive tailored balance training two times per week and one home balance exercise session (30 mins per session) alongside standard PR. We will record the number of falls using monthly diaries and evaluate patient’s balance, strength, confidence and quality of life using a variety of outcome measures at baseline, post-PR and 12 months. Our results will be relevant for guiding clinical and policy-based decision making, given the large population of individuals with COPD and the potential for severe consequences of falls in this population.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/NE/0035
Date of REC Opinion
17 Mar 2017
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion