Does Vestibular System Effected in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Investigation of Vestibular System Influence in Individuals With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

. The main question is whether the vestibular system is affected by COPD. If there is an influence, the second question is what is the relationship between balance and vestibular interaction in COPD patients. A total of 10 COPD patients and 10 healthy adults will include the study. Respiratory functions, vestibular functions and postural stability of participants will be assessed. This research is planned to be carried out as a cross-sectional/descriptive research. It's planned as a pilot study. Comparisons between study and control groups will be made with independent samples t-test for parametric values and Mann Whitney U for non-parametric values.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is a common preventable and treatable disease that is characterized by persistent airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response in the airways and the lung to noxious particles or gases. Hypoxia caused by restrictive airflow is one of the symptoms of COPD. Hypoxia can affect the inner ear and vestibular nuclei. Also, balance impairment can be caused by hypoxia. Previous studies show that balance affected negatively in COPD patients. The aim of this study is to investigate of vestibular system influence in individuals with COPD. A total of 10 COPD patients and 10 healthy adults will include the study. This research is planned to be carried out as a cross-sectional/descriptive research. It's planned as a pilot study. Respiratory functions (respiratory function test), vestibular functions (head shake test, head trust test, unterberger test) and postural stability (sensory organization test) of participants will be assessed.Comparisons between study and control groups will be made with independent samples t-test for parametric values and Mann Whitney U for non-parametric values.

For study group

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteering to participate in the study
• Diagnosed with COPD

Exclusion Criteria:

• Communication - Coordination problems of patients
• Using medicine which is increasing the risk of fall
• Any neurologic or musculoskeletal disorders which affect mobility and balance
• Loss of hearing

For control group

Inclusion Criteria:

• Volunteering to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

• Communication - Coordination problems of patients
• Using medicine which is increasing the risk of fall
• Any neurologic, musculoskeletal or respiratory disorders which affect mobility and balance
• Loss of hearing