Abstract

Introduction: Reduced balance function has been observed in the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) population and is associated with an increased risk of falls. This study aimed to examine balance sway by biodex and efficacy of Whole Body Vibration (WBV) on balance.

Materials and methods: Sixty volunteers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with age ranged from 45 years to 60 years old were selected in this study for 12 weeks. They were divided into two equal groups, control group-1 and whole body vibration group-2. Biodex assessment for dynamic balance, the measurement outcome of biodex balance assessment consisted of Anterior–Posterior Stability Index (APSI), Medio Lateral Stability Index (MLSI), and the Overall Stability Index (OST).

Results: There was significant reduction in postural sway, Medio Lateral (ML) and Anterior Posterior (AP) and Overall Stability Index (ST), p-value was respectively (p=0.001), (p=0.038) and (p=0.001). The whole body vibration training protocol include different training frequencies to evoke muscle contractions all over the body.

Conclusion: Whole body vibration training in COPD patients is beneficial and resulted in significant effect on balance with concomitant improvement of postural sway.

Keywords:  Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease; Balance; Biodex; Whole Body Vibration; Respiratory failure