The Effect of Respiratory Muscle Strength and Functional Capacity on Posture and Balance in Individuals With Different Phenotypes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a multifaceted disease that results from the interaction between genetic susceptibility and exposure to environmental stimuli. Due to the slow progression and chronic nature of the disease, it creates a growing disease burden on the individual. Considering the data of the Turkish Statistical Institute, the third most common cause of death in Turkey in 2010, 2011 and 2012 was respiratory system diseases. 61.5% of respiratory system deaths in 2012 were due to Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Due to the progressive airway obstruction that occurs in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, the level of inspiratory muscle strength is restricted and there is an increasing deterioration in the level of functional performance. However, with increasing age, postural problems can be observed in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. Postural problems such as rounded shoulders, increase in thoracic kyphosis and muscle shortness can be observed especially in patients who start to use the auxiliary respiratory muscles continuously due to inspiratory muscle strength. There are few articles investigating the changes in posture, physical performance and inspiratory muscles with the addition of a chronic disease such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease to the normal aging process. For this reason, a study titled "The effect of respiratory muscle strength and functional capacity on posture and balance in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease with Different Phenotypes" was planned.

As a result of the study, inspiratory muscle strength, posture and physical performance evaluations of individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease will be made, and suggestions will be made to help individual postural smoothness and improve physical performance.