LAUSR

Introduction: It is well documented that decreased exercise tolerance can increase presence of breathing disorders and fatigue in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). However, there is not enough studies focus on the effect of perceived exertion after physical activities on balance in these patients. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the control of bipedal posture in patients with COPD and IPF and in healthy controls after evaluating functional exercise capacity. Methods: Balance was assessed in 10 patients with COPD (FEV 1 =52.4%; 67.4 years), 10 patients with IPF (FEV 1 =80.7%; 64.2 years) and 10 healthy controls (FEV 1 =103.0%; 64.5 years) before and immediately after the completion of Incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT). Centre of pressure (CoP) displacements were recorded during standing with eyes open for 30 seconds using force platform (Kistler Instrumente, Switzerland). Results: Patients with COPD and IPF described higher score of perceived exertion than healthy controls (p Conclusion: ISWT resulted in increased fatigue and impaired balance in patients with COPD and IPF that may put them at higher risk for falls. Therefore, balance training should be added to comprehensive treatment of these patients.