Investigating balance issues in people with COPD
An Investigation of the Physiological and Psychosocial Mechanisms Underpinning Balance Impairment in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Teesside University · NCT05984498
This study looks at how balance problems affect daily life for people with COPD and compares them to healthy individuals to understand why these issues happen.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Teesside University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Middlesbrough) |
| Trial ID | NCT05984498 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to explore the mechanisms behind balance impairments in individuals with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and how these issues affect their daily lives. Participants will undergo a series of tests, including balance assessments, questionnaires on mood and health, walking tests, and evaluations of muscle and nerve function. The study will compare individuals with COPD to age-matched healthy controls to identify factors that may contribute to balance problems. By understanding these relationships, the research seeks to shed light on the broader implications of COPD on quality of life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 55 and over with a spirometry-confirmed diagnosis of stable COPD.
Not a fit: Patients under 55 years of age or those with neurological or musculoskeletal conditions that affect balance may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for managing balance issues in patients with COPD, potentially reducing their risk of falls.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically targeting balance in COPD, studies on related conditions have shown that understanding neuromuscular function can lead to better management strategies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: COPD * Have a spirometry confirmed diagnosis of COPD as per GOLD guidelines * Stable COPD (six weeks clear of exacerbation) * 55 years or over at the point of recruitment * Able to communicate with good verbal English or use adaptive equipment to communicate * Male or female Controls * Free from a diagnosis of COPD (confirmed by spirometry) * 55 years or over at the point of recruitment * Able to communicate with good verbal English or use adaptive equipment to * Communicate * Male or female Exclusion Criteria: COPD * Recent exacerbation of COPD (within the last six weeks) * Under 55 years of age at the point of recruitment * Any neurological or musculoskeletal diagnoses (e.g., strokes, Parkinson's disease or chronic pain that interferes with ability to safely complete the tests * Unable to provide written informed consent * Unable to speak English or no translation options available * Diagnosed but not corrected visual, vestibular disturbance and peripheral neuropathy * Vasovagal syncope * Not independent living (e.g., living in a care home or prison) Controls * Abnormal lung function (FEV1 and FVC equal to or greater than 80% and FEV1/FVC equal to greater than 70%) * Under 55 years of age at the point of recruitment * Any neurological or musculoskeletal impairment that would significantly affect balance impacting ability to safely complete the assessments * Unable to provide written informed consent * Unable to speak English or no translation options available * Any uncorrected visual or somatosensory disturbance * Vasovagal syncope * Living in a care home or in prison
Where this trial is running
Middlesbrough
- Teesside University — Middlesbrough, United Kingdom (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Kirsti J Loughran, PhD
- Email: k.loughran@tees.ac.uk
- Phone: 01642 342934
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Healthy Volunteers, Chronic, Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Balance, Falls, Nerve Function, Muscle Function, Lived Experience