Patients with COPD have a high susceptibility to falls, which is associated with a worsening of dyspnea perception as related to HRQoL. Fall prevention programs in COPD are recommended.

The multiple-task outcome measures reviewed reflected walking balance activities often undertaken during community mobility. Single-task measures may be useful as screening measures, identifying walking balance deficits associated with basic/lower levels of walking balance. Construct validity and clinical interpretability of each measure in ambulatory people post stroke requires further research to identify the level of community mobility represented by each measure of walking balance.

People with COPD show deficits in postural control and increased risk of falls as measured by the SOT. The deficits in postural control appear to be independent of muscle weakness and level of physical activity. Postural control interventions and fall risk strategies in the pulmonary rehabilitation of COPD are recommended.