The relationship between height of vertical jumps, functionality and fall episodes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A case-control study

This study aimed to compare the height of jumps and functional parameters in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to those in healthy people, in addition to assessing the relationship among variables in patients with COPD. Twenty patients with COPD (forced expiratory volume [FEV1] % of predicted: 39.98 ± 11.69%; age: 62.95 ± 8.06 years) and 16 healthy people (FEV1% of predicted: 97.44 ± 14.45%; age: 59.94 ± 6.43 years) were evaluated, and all participants performed the Squat Jump (SJ) and Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) tests to assess rapid force considering the jumping height. Functional capacity was assessed using the self-selected walking speed tests, walking speed in 10 m, walking test in 6 min, balance on one leg, sitting and standing, timed up and go, and a stair-climbing test. In addition, the questionnaires on recall of falls, Falls Efficacy Scale—International (concern with falling), International Physical Activity Questionnaires, and Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire were administered. The height of the jumps showed no difference between the groups, but the COPD group performed worse in most functional tests and was more afraid of falling. The number of falls was correlated with height in the SJ (r = −0.51) and CMJ (r = −0.62) jumps (p < 0.05), and with the performance in different functional tests. We suggest that interventions targeting rapid force may bring improvements in functional mobility and physical fitness as well as reducing fall episodes in patients with COPD.