Evaluation of static and dynamic balance in single and dual tasks among active smokers and non-smokers.
Description
Background: Chronic smoking may lead to multiple systemic problems in various aspects such as breathing difficulty, muscle weakness, decreased bone strength, risk of stroke and other major complications. Chronic smoking may lead to imbalance and there is risk of injuries due to instability. To the authors best knowledge there is scarcity of literature regarding association static and dynamic balance. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the static and dynamic balance in single and dual tasks among active smokers and age matched non-smokers. Methods: 100 smokers and 100 non-smokers participants were selected by purposive sampling method within the age group of 20-50 years. Static balance was assessed by Single leg stance test. Dynamic balance was assessed by performing Timed up and go test, Modified star excursion balance test and 10m walk test in single and dual task in both smokers as well as in age matched non-smokers groups. Result: Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used for assessing normality. The data was found to be not normally distributed. Mann-Whitney U test was used to make comparison between smokers and non-smokers groups. P value ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. Conclusion: The present study concluded that static and dynamic balance is impaired in chronic smokers.