Proprioceptive weighting changes may explain differences in postural control performance. In addition, the respiratory movement has a disturbing effect on postural balance. Postural balance seems to be impaired in individuals with respiratory disorders. Increased risk of falling is reported in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Besides the essential role of respiration, the diaphragm may also play an important role in the control of the trunk and postural balance.

The aim of the study is to clarify whether proprioceptive postural control is impaired in individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Inclusion Criteria individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:

• Age: 40-80 years old
• Spirometry (post-bronchodilator) based diagnosis of COPD (GOLD criteria)
• Willingness to sign the informed consent

Inclusion Criteria healthy controls:

• Age: 40-80 years old
• No COPD (spirometry based: FEV1/FVC ≥ 0.7 and FEV1 > 80%)
• Willingness to sign the informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of major trauma and/or major orthopedic surgery of the spine, the pelvis or the lower quadrant
• One of the following conditions: Parkinson, multiple sclerosis, stroke, history of vestibular disorder
• Respiratory disorder other than COPD
• α1-antitrypsin deficiency
• Known history of significant inflammatory disease other than COPD
• COPD exacerbation within 4 weeks prior to study
• Lung surgery
• Recent diagnosis of cancer
• Therapy with oral corticosteroids in the last 6 weeks
• Significant cardiovascular comorbidity

patients from the University Hospital Leuven - Respiratory Disvision