Associação entre medo de quedas e equilíbrio em pacientes com Doença Pulmonar Obstrutiva Crônica hospitalizados.

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by periodic symptoms that cause interference with airflow. Worsening symptoms can lead to a greater number of hospital admissions and morbidity. Physical inactivity, reduced respiratory and peripheral muscle strength and fear of falls during and after hospitalization can contribute to worsening postural balance and an increase in the number of future falls. Objectives: To analyze the association between fear of falls and balance deficits in hospitalized COPD patients. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional observational study, carried out with hospitalized COPD patients at Hospital Bom Samaritano in Governador Valadares, Minas Gerais. Collection was carried out by applying the Brief Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Brief-BESTest) and the Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC) and Falls Efficacy Scale - International (FES-I) questionnaires. Results: Study with ten participants, mean age of 72.9 ± 9.11 years (mean ± standard deviation), 80% of whom were male. There was no manifestation between the fear of falls scale, FES-I, and the balance assessment test, Brief-BESTest. In relation to the ABC questionnaire and the Brief-BESTest we found a demonstration of r = 0.647; p = 0.043 in the “limits of stability” domain of the Brief- BESTest between the ABC scale and the total score of the Brief-BESTest, it was r = 0.735, p = 0.016. Conclusion: A positive and significant correlation was found between the ABC questionnaire and the “limits of stability” domain of the Brief-BESTest (r = 0.647; p ≤ 0.043) and between the ABC scale and the total score on the Brief-BESTest (r = 0.735; p = 0.016). And there was no correlation between the fear of falls scale (FES-I) and the Brief-BESTest.