Balance Training for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Balance Training for COPD in Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR): An Effectiveness Study

The study will involve direct knowledge translation of a laboratory-based study of balance training for patients with COPD, first to the investigators PR program and then, after disseminating the results, this approach could be used to impact on clinical practice in any PR program.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of COPD
• Self-report of decline in balance or fall in the last 5 years or a recent near fall
• Smoking history greater than 10 pack years
• Are able to provide written informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• An inability to communicate because of language skills, hearing or cognitive impairment
• Evidence of a neurological or musculoskeletal condition that severely limits mobility and postural control (e.g., cerebrovascular accident, advanced Parkinson's disease, amputation).