Comparison of reaction time and functional balance in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and healthy participants

Background: Reaction time is one of the components of functional balance and could contribute to balance impairment. Information regarding this relationship is scant among Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) participants. Objectives: To compare stepping reaction time between participants with COPD and age; gender-matched healthy individuals to find out whether reaction time in COPD population is affected. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 41 COPD participants and 41 age and gender-matched healthy individuals. All the participants underwent measurements of stepping reaction time (SRT) and timed up and go test (TUG). Results: SRT was significantly higher in COPD participants compared to healthy individuals [median of difference- 350 milliseconds (110, 830), p < 0.001]. TUG was significantly higher in COPD participants compared to healthy individuals [median of difference = 2.82 seconds (0.34 and 4.5), p < 0.001]. Conclusions: Participants with COPD exhibit marked increase in SRT and demonstrate a deficiency in functional balance compared to the healthy participants.