Validation of a simple test, the Timed Up and Go test, to assess the risk of falling in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Introduction/Background Risk of falling in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an emerging issue, but little studied. It could affect up to 50% of patients entering respiratory rehabilitation, with an increased prevalence in severe stages of the disease. Falling risk evaluation is usually carried out by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS score), which is difficult to use in current practice given a long realization time. Thus, validation of a simple and quicker screening test is essential. The Timed Up and Go test (TUG), validated in geriatrics, could be an interesting screening test for people with COPD. Material and method We collected self-reported falls number in the previous year, assessed the fear falling (ABC-scale), the risk of falling (BBS score) and performed a TUG test. In addition, we measured predictive parameters of falling: muscle mass, quadriceps muscle strength, walking distance in 6 min (TM6). Results Of the 50 COPD patients included, 23 patients (46%) had at least one fall during the last year; this percentage was higher in long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT) group (68 versus 24% for LTOT-group, P r  = −0.92, P P Conclusion These results confirm the high prevalence of falls in a population of stable COPD subjects, especially since there is a chronic hypoxia. TUG represents a simple falling risk screening test in these patients to enable more specific rehabilitation by adding proprioceptive and neuromotor control work to respiratory rehabilitation programs.