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Home Balance Pilot for Fall Reduction in COPD

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Registration Number
NCT02695342
Lead Sponsor
McMaster University
Brief Summary

There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that older adults with COPD have important problems with their balance and a high incidence of falls compared to those of a similar age. This research will explore the feasibility and preliminary effects of a tailored 6-month home balance exercise program for reducing falls in older adults with COPD.

Detailed Description

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is highly prevalent among older adults and is a leading cause of death, disability and hospitalization in Canada. There is a growing body of evidence demonstrating that older adults with COPD have important problems with their balance and a high incidence of falls compared to those of a similar age. This research will explore the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a tailored 6-month home balance exercise program for reducing falls in older adults with COPD.

The primary objective of this pilot study is to determine the feasibility of a tailored home balance intervention for older adults with COPD in terms of recruitment, retention and adherence. The secondary objective is to examine the within-subject effects of the home-balance intervention on intermediate outcomes linked to falls including balance, functional strength and self-reported disability.

Thirty-five older adults with COPD will be recruited from respirology clinics at West Park Healthcare Centre (Toronto) and the Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health (Hamilton) to participate in a single-group, non-randomized clinical trial. Eligible participants will be enrolled in a 6-month balance home exercise intervention. The home program will be supervised by a physiotherapist and outcome measures will be collected at home at baseline, 3- and 6-months by a research assistant not involved in the intervention.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
36
Inclusion Criteria
  • a clinical diagnosis of COPD;
  • age ≥ 60 yrs;
  • a history of 1 or more falls in the previous year;
  • ability to provide written informed consent.
Exclusion Criteria
  • inability to communicate in English;
  • history of significant cardiovascular disease;
  • marked decrease in arterial oxygen saturation at rest or during previous assessments of exercise capacity;
  • severe cognitive impairment;
  • evidence of a condition that severely limits mobility and may jeopardize safety;
  • completion of a course of rehabilitation in the last 6 months or on a wait list for admission to rehabilitation.

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Retention rate6 months

Percentage of the sample that complete all 3 outcome assessments

Compliance6 months

Mean number of prescribed exercise sessions completed

Recruitment rateBaseline

Percentage of eligible patients that consent to enroll in the study

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
30-second Sit-to-Stand Testbaseline 3 months, 6 months

Measure of functional lower body strength

Activity-Specific Balance Confidence questionnairebaseline, 3 months, 6 months

Measure of balance confidence

Balance Evaluation Systems Test (BESTest)baseline, 3 months, 6 months

Measure of balance

Berg Balance Scalebaseline, 3 months, 6 months

Measure of balance

Self-reported function (PF-10)baseline, 3 months, 6 months

Physical function sub-scale of the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short-form Health Survey

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

🇨🇦

Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

West Park Healthcare Centre

🇨🇦

Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Firestone Institute for Respiratory Health, St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
🇨🇦Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

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