The Relationship Between Pain, Balance and Gait in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

An Investigation of the Relationship of Pain With Balance and Gait Impairment in People With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

The balance, gait and pain in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) study will aim to investigate the link between balance and gait impairment, and high rates of pain in people with COPD. This cross-sectional observational study will compare balance and gait outcomes for people with COPD who have pain, to those who are pain free.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Have a spirometry confirmed diagnosis of COPD as per Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) guidelines
• Be 18 years or over at the point of recruitment
• Be able to communicate with good verbal English or use adaptive equipment to communicate.
• Be able to complete test procedures
• Stable COPD (six weeks clear of exacerbation)
• No uncorrected visual or somatosensory disturbance

Exclusion Criteria:

• No other conditions that may affect balance or gait e.g. neurological or vestibular conditions
• Recent exacerbation of COPD (within the last six weeks)
• Unable to provide written informed consent
• Unable to speak English or no translation options available
• Any other acute health conditions that would make activity unsafe e.g. acute infection, unstable cardiac disease.