Evaulation of reaction time and postural control in individuals wi̇th cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis

There is no study that measure reaction time in cystic fibrosis (CF) and non-CF patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reaction time and postüral control and to investigate the relationship between reaction time, exercise capacity, muscle oxygenation and balance in children with CF and non-CF bronchiectasis. Thirty one patients including 14 CF patients and 17 non-CF bronchiectasis and 21 healthy individuals were included in this study. Demographic and physical characteristics' were recorded. Lung function testing was performed. Balance was assessed using functional reach test, exercise capacity was measured using the incremental shuttle walking test and reaction time was assessed using FitLight Trainer. Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, muscle oxygenation, dyspnea and fatigue perception were measured before and after exercise test and reaction time measurement. Physical characteristics and pulmonary function were similar among the groups (p>0.05). There were a statistically significant difference in balance, the incremental shuttle walk test distance, predicted oxygen consumption, percentage of peak heart rate and muscle oxygenation change in the patients and healthy group (p<0.05). The total reaction time was significantly higher in the CF subgroup than in the non-CF bronchiectasis and healthy group (p<0.05). Reaction time was related to body composition, balance, exercise capacity, muscle oxygenation, fatigue and dyspnea (p<0.05). A slower reaction time may affect attention functions and response to postural control in patients with CF. Assessment of reaction time may provide an input for exercise programs that aim to improve the performance of patients with bronchiectasis. Key Words: Bronchiectasis, exercise capacity, reaction time This study was supported by Hacettepe University Scientific Research Unit (H.Ü.B.A.P. TDS-2017-14961)