Investigation of spatiotemporal gait parameters and arm swings characteristics during gait in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a multisystemic disease that begins in the pulmonary system and also affects the locomotor system. The aim of this study was to investigate the arm swings and spatiotemporal gait characteristics in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Twenty COPD patients aged between 40- 65 years and 20 healthy individuals were included in the study. Demographic information of the individuals were evaluated. To determine disease symptom and severity of disease, COPD Assessment Test (CAT), Modified Medical Research Council Dyspnea Scale (mMRC), Combined COPD Assessment, and pulmonary function test were performed in individuals with COPD. Functional exercise capacity was evaluated using 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) and upper extremity functional exercise capasity was evaluated 6 Minute Pegboard and Ring test (6PBRT). Balance and fall risk were evaluated via Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Time Up and Go Test (TUG) respectively. Posture and posture related conditions were evaluated via Corbin Postural Rating Scale, Scapular Dyskinesia Test and Lateral Scapular Slide Test. The spatiotemporal gait characteristics and arm swings were evaluated using gait analysis in semi-darkened laboratory environment with eight optical camera system using infrared based lighting during six minute walk. Arm swings were similar in terms of magnitude between the groups during gait (p>0.05). The total angle of arm swings were similar between the groups (p>0.05). In the flexion-extension axis, the total angle of arm swings was higher in the right arm; in the abduction-adduction axis, the total angle of arm swings was higher in the left arm in healthy individuals (p<0.05). While cadence was higher in patients with COPD, gait cycle was found to be higher in healthy individuals (p<0.05). The posture score was higher in patients with COPD and the posture was worse in patients with COPD (p<0.05). There was no significant differences according to severity of disease in terms of upper extremity functional exercise capacity, functional exercise capacity, falling down risk and balance (p>0.05). According to these results, arm swings declined compared to healthy individuals in patients with COPD. More abduction and symmetrical pattern was found in patients with COPD than healthy individuals during arm swings. For further studies, investigation of posture and arm swings observationally in patients with COPD are recommended to health professionals working in this field. Keywords: Pulmonary disease, chronic obstructive; Gait; Posture; Upper Extremity