Effects of pulmonary rehabilitation on activity levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Increasing exercise capacity and physical activity in the COPD patient

Higher levels of exercise capacity and physical activity are desired outcomes in the comprehensive management of the COPD patient. In addition, improvements in exercise capacity and physical activity are instrumental to optimising other important therapeutic goals, such as improved health status, reduced healthcare utilisation and increased survival. Four general approaches towards increasing exercise capacity and physical activity in individuals with COPD will be discussed in this review: 1) pharmacological intervention, especially the administration of long-acting bronchodilators; 2) pulmonary rehabilitation, including exercise training and collaborative self-management; 3) behavioural interventions; and 4) web-based interventions. These are by no means the only approaches, nor are they mutually exclusive: indeed, combining them, as necessary, to meet the needs of the individual respiratory patient may promote optimal outcomes, although further research is necessary in this area.

Effect of targeted nutrient supplementation on physical activity and health-related quality of life in COPD: study protocol for the randomised controlled NUTRECOVER trial

INTRODUCTION

Physical and mental health are often affected in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) adversely affecting disease course and quality of life. Abnormalities in whole body and cellular energy metabolism, dietary and plasma nutrient status and intestinal permeability have been well established in these patients as systemic determinants of functional decline and underexplored treatable traits. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of 1 year targeted nutrient supplementation on physical activity level and health-related quality of life in patients with COPD.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

This study is a single-centre randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial in 166 patients with COPD recruited from multiple hospitals in the Netherlands. The intervention group will receive a multinutrient supplement, including vitamin D, tryptophan, long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and prebiotic dietary fibres as main components (94 kCal per daily dose). The control group will receive an isocaloric isonitrogenous placebo. Both groups will ingest one portion per day for at least 12 months and will additionally receive counselling on healthy lifestyle and medical adherence over the course of the study. Coprimary outcomes are physical activity assessed by triaxial accelerometry and health-related quality of life measured by the EuroQol-5 dimensions questionnaire. Secondary outcomes are cognitive function, psychological well-being, physical performance, patient-reported outcomes and the metabolic profile assessed by body composition, systemic inflammation, plasma nutrient levels, intestinal integrity and microbiome composition. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and after 12 months of supplementation. In case patients are hospitalised for a COPD exacerbation, a subset outcome panel will be measured during a 4-week recovery period after hospitalisation.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This study was approved by the local Ethics Committee of Maastricht University. Subjects will be included after written informed consent is provided. Study outcomes will be disseminated through presentations at (inter)national conferences and through peer-reviewed journals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT03807310.

Does Telemedicine Promote Physical Activity?

Exercise capacity and physical activity are different concepts: the former refers to what an individual is capable of performing, while the latter refers to what the individual does in daily life. Low levels of physical activity (PA), which are very common in individuals with COPD, are associated with poor health outcomes, including increased symptoms, a more rapid decline in lung function, increased health care utilization and increased mortality risk. Because of these pervasive negative outcomes, attempts have been made to increase physical activity in individuals with COPD, hoping that success in this area will mitigate the negative effects of inactivity. Based on its ability to increase exercise capacity and reduce dyspnea in COPD and other chronic respiratory diseases, pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) would be expected also increase physical activity in these patients. However, accessibility to pulmonary rehabilitation programs is problematic in some areas, and studies testing its effectiveness in this outcome area have had inconsistent results. Using telehealth interventions using technology to provide medical care conveniently over a distance would have the benefit of reaching a larger proportion of individuals with COPD. A systematic review of clinical trials testing telehealth to promote physical activity had mixed results and low-certainty evidence, resulting in the inability to recommend any single type of intervention. Thus, using telehealth interventions to promote physical activity for individuals with chronic respiratory diseases, while promising, remains an area where future investigations are needed to identify its optimal modalities and clarify its benefits.

Clinical impact and benefits of a simultaneous cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation in a COVID-19-infected patient following cardiac arrest: A case report

Since the advent of the pandemic, cardio-pulmonary rehabilitation (CR) has been shown to be an effective treatment. However, there are no studies showing data to substantiate its simultaneous application. A 62-year-old man was resuscitated for asystole during the work-up after presenting with a 2-day history of difficulty breathing. PCR test was positive for COVID-19. He was intubated and admitted to a negative pressure zone. Symptoms improved in response to acute treatment. Following extubation, respiratory distress persisted, and CR was implemented. Clinical indicators of cardiopulmonary function improved resulting in a successful return to community participation. The decline in cardiopulmonary function has been on the rise among COVID-19 survivors. The simultaneous application of CR treatment in our patient resulted in improved clinical indicators of cardiopulmonary function. The patient regained full function for independent community participation.

Effectiveness of Self-Monitoring Approach Using Fitness Trackers to Improve Walking Ability in Rehabilitation Settings: A Systematic Review

Background: A self-monitoring approach utilizing fitness trackers that provide feedback regarding physical activities has been recently applied to rehabilitation patients to promote voluntary walking activities. Although this approach has been proven to increase physical activity, it is uncertain whether the intervention improves walking ability. Aim: This review investigated whether the additional self-monitoring approach using activity trackers would improve walking ability in any type of rehabilitation setting. Methods: A systematic search was performed in four databases [PubMed (MEDLINE), The Cochrane Library, SPORTDiscus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature] to identify studies that examined the self-monitoring approach combined with rehabilitative intervention vs. the same rehabilitative intervention only in participants with any unhealthy conditions. Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of all the retrieved English literature published from 2009 to 2019, then discussed the final inclusion. The risk of bias was assessed referring to the criteria of the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. The key findings were synthesized using narrative synthesis. In addition, a quantitative synthesis was conducted when more than two studies investigating the same disease were identified. Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials satisfied the eligibility criteria, nine of which had a lower risk of bias. The types of diseases included stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancer, Parkinson's disease, hemophilia, peripheral artery disease, post-total knee arthroplasty, and geriatric rehabilitation. Eight studies reported measures of walking endurance and four reported measures of gait speed. In the quantitative synthesis of two studies investigating COPD, there was a significant between-group difference in terms of changes in the 6-min walking distance from the baseline, which was favorable to the additional self-monitoring intervention group (mean difference: 13.1 m; 95% confidence interval, 1.8-24.5; 2 studies, 124 participants; p = 0.02; I 2 = 0%). Other available data revealed no consistent evidence regarding effectiveness of the intervention. Conclusions: The findings indicate that there is little evidence suggesting the effectiveness of the self-monitoring approach in improving walking ability in rehabilitation settings. However, a weak recommendation for patients with stable COPD was implicated in the quantitative synthesis. Further research would be required to explore the best indications for this self-monitoring approach. Systematic Review Registration: CRD 42020157695.

Reference Equations for Assessing the Physical Activity of Japanese Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Background

To improve physical activity (PA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), providing a target PA value based on the individual patient's condition may be a useful interventional strategy. However, to determine the target value, a predictive PA value for each patient is required.

Research Question

What is the reference equation consisting of PA-related factors to determine the predictive PA value for each patient with COPD?

Material and Methods

In this prospective cross-sectional observational study, we measured the PA with a triaxial accelerometer and several other factors including demographic factors, pulmonary function, dyspnea, exercise capacity, muscle strength, nutrition, and indicators of several comorbidities in stable Japanese outpatients with COPD aged ≥40 years old and detected PA-related factors by a multiple regression analysis and stepwise method. We created reference equations for four indices of PA using multiple linear regression equations.

Results

Two hundred and twenty-seven patients were registered. The equations of duration at ≥2.0 metabolic equivalents (METs) and step count consisted of 4 factors: 6-minute walk distance, modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale, anxiety score of the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and the forced expiratory volume in 1 second % of predicted value. Those of duration at ≥3.0 METs and total activity at ≥3.0 METs consisted of 5 factors: the above 4 factors and age or brain natriuretic peptide. There was no fixed bias or proportional bias between the measured and predictive values in patients with non-high measured PA values.

Conclusion

We determined reference equations for four indicators of PA using PA-related factors in Japanese patients with COPD. The predictive values calculated using the equations could be useful for deciding target PA values for each patient.

Clinical Trial Registration

UMIN-CTR; No.: UMIN000025459; URL: https://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr/index.htm.

Objectively measured physical activity as a COPD clinical trial outcome

BACKGROUND

Reduced physical activity is common in COPD and is associated with poor outcomes. Physical activity is therefore a worthy target for intervention in clinical trials, however, trials evaluating physical activity have used heterogeneous methodologies.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the available evidence on the efficacy and/or effectiveness of various interventions to enhance objectively measured physical activity in patients with COPD, taking into account minimal preferred methodological quality of physical activity assessment?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this narrative review, the COPD Biomarker Qualification Consortium (CBQC) task force searched three scientific databases for articles that reported the effect of an intervention on objectively-measured physical activity in COPD. Based on scientific literature and expert consensus, only studies with ≥7 measurement days and ≥4 valid days of ≥8 hours of monitoring were included in the primary analysis.

RESULTS

37 of 110 (34%) identified studies fulfilled the criteria, investigating the efficacy and/or effectiveness of physical activity behavior change programs (n=7), mobile health or eHealth interventions (n=9), rehabilitative exercise (n=9), bronchodilation (n=6), lung volume reduction procedures (n=3) and other interventions (n=3). Results are generally variable, reflecting the large variation in study characteristics and outcomes. Few studies show an increase beyond the proposed minimal important change of 600-1100 daily steps, indicating that enhancing physical activity levels is a challenge.

INTERPRETATION

Only a third of clinical trials measuring objective physical activity in people with COPD fulfilled the pre-set criteria regarding physical activity assessment. Studies showed variable effects on physical activity even when investigating similar interventions.

The association of objectively measured physical activity and sedentary behavior with skeletal muscle strength and muscle power in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Engaging in physical activity (PA) and avoiding sedentary behavior (SB) are important for healthy ageing with benefits including the mitigation of disability and mortality. Whether benefits extend to key determinants of disability and mortality, namely muscle strength and muscle power, is unclear.

AIMS

This systematic review aimed to describe the association of objective measures of PA and SB with measures of skeletal muscle strength and muscle power in community-dwelling older adults.

METHODS

Six databases were searched from their inception to June 21^st, 2020 for articles reporting associations between objectively measured PA and SB and upper body or lower body muscle strength or muscle power in community dwelling adults aged 60 years and older. An overview of associations was visualized by effect direction heat maps, standardized effect sizes were estimated with albatross plots and summarized in box plots. Articles reporting adjusted standardized regression coefficients (β) were included in meta-analyses.

RESULTS

A total of 112 articles were included representing 43,796 individuals (range: 21 to 3726 per article) with a mean or median age from 61.0 to 88.0 years (mean 56.4 % female). Higher PA measures and lower SB were associated with better upper body muscle strength (hand grip strength), upper body muscle power (arm curl), lower body muscle strength, and lower body muscle power (chair stand test). Median standardized effect sizes were consistently larger for measures of PA and SB with lower compared to upper body muscle strength and muscle power. The meta-analyses of adjusted β coefficients confirmed the associations between total PA (TPA), moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) and light PA (LPA) with hand grip strength (β = 0.041, β = 0.057, and β = 0.070, respectively, all p ≤ 0.001), and TPA and MVPA with chair stand test (β = 0.199 and β = 0.211, respectively, all p ≤ 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Higher PA and lower SB are associated with greater skeletal muscle strength and muscle power, particularly with the chair stand test.

Feasibility and acceptability of active for life with COPD, an intervention to increase light physical activity in people with COPD

BACKGROUND

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are very sedentary; increasing light physical activity (LPA) may help to promote long-term maintenance of physical activity.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated feasibility and acceptability of Active for Life with COPD, a self-efficacy-enhancing intervention designed to increase LPA.

METHODS

The 10-week intervention included walking, functional circuit training, and behavioral and educational strategies. Measures included attrition, adherence, objectively measured physical activity, and qualitative interviews.

RESULTS

Thirty-six subjects enrolled in the study; 26 completed the intervention and 19 completed the two-month follow-up. Subjects reported the intervention was enjoyable and beneficial, but disliked the activity log and buddy system. Subjects increased mean time spent standing/stepping by 36 (SD = 82) min/24 h (P > 0.05); they retained a gain of 21 (SD = 88) min/24 h at the two-month follow-up (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Active for Life with COPD intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may support long term maintenance of physical activity.

Effects of combining functional exercises with exercise training on daily physical activities and functionality in patients with COPD: a protocol for a randomized clinical trial

INTRODUCTION

Functional training has been shown to be a viable alternative for the elderly and patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, whether the combination of this type of training with aerobic and resistance training, commonly performed in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs, induces more pronounced effects on daily physical activities and functionality remains unclear. The aims of the study will be to evaluate the short-term and sustained effects of the combination of a functional circuit program with a training program consisting of aerobic and resistance exercise.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled trial, patients with COPD will be randomly assigned (1:1:1) to an 8-week training program to follow one of the three a priori defined groups: (I) resistance and aerobic and functional exercises, (II) a conventional program including only resistance and aerobic exercises, or (III) a usual care program. Patients will be evaluated before and upon completion of 8 weeks of training regarding physical activity in daily life (PADL) using an activity monitor (accelerometer), activities of daily living (London Chest Activity of Daily Living), functional exercise capacity (6-minute walk test), and muscle strength (dynamometry). Additionally, the sustained effects of the interventions will be evaluated 22 weeks after commencing the study.

DISCUSSION

The inclusion of a protocol of functional physical training in the training conventionally performed by patients with COPD as an alternative to increase PADL and functionality may provide subsidies for the treatment of these patients, representing an advance and impacting on the physical training of patients with COPD.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC) ID: RBR-3zmh3r. Registered: March 7, 2018.

Simple standard equation for daily step count in Japanese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Purpose

The improvement of physical activity in patients with COPD is an important issue. However, no standard for the recommended number of steps for patients with COPD has been determined. We conducted a retrospective observational study to create a simple standard equation for the daily step count, which makes it easier to determine whether each subject is attaining his/her predicted value or not.

Patients and methods

Stable outpatients diagnosed with COPD whose physical activities had been measured using a triaxial accelerometer for more than 2 weeks were recruited from 5 institutes in Japan. Factors associated with the step count were detected by multivariate regression analysis. After the data were transformed to a normalized distribution, a multivariate linear regression equation was created using stepwise regression.

Results

One hundred sixty-two patients aged 72.3 (7.2) years and of FEV1 %pred 59.2 (22.8) % were recruited. Among the parameters, age, mMRC dyspnea scale and inspiratory capacity (IC) were detected by the stepwise method. The created standard equation was “Step count = (−0.079×[age]−1.595×[mMRC]+2.078×[IC]+18.149)³”. The correlations between the calculated values and the measured values were observed, and fixed, and proportional biases between them were also observed. When patients with <6500 steps/day were selected, no systematic bias between them could be detected.

Conclusion

A simple standard equation for Japanese patients with COPD was created using age, mMRC and IC, and could provide an individual-predicted value, especially for patients with <6500 steps/day.

Effect of pulmonary rehabilitation with assistive use of short-acting β2 agonist in COPD patients using long-acting bronchodilators

Background: Assistive use of short-acting β2 agonists (SABAs) reportedly improves exercise tolerance, activities of daily living, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, the effect of SABA on physical activity (PA) is unclear.Objective: This study aimed to determine whether assistive use of SABA increases PA and whether additional pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) can aid further improvement.Methods: Twelve outpatients with COPD and dyspnea during daily activities despite regular use of long-acting bronchodilators were enrolled. This study comprised a 2-week pre-intervention investigation, a 12-week investigation of SABA effects, and an 8-week investigation of the additional effects of PR. Assistive use of SABA was allowed up to 4 times per day after the pre-intervention period. PA was measured for 14 consecutive days using an accelerometer sensor. Dyspnea, exercise tolerance, and HRQOL were evaluated at entry, at 4 and 12 weeks after initiating SABA use, and after completing PR.Results: Assistive use of SABA improved breathlessness during daily activities and increased PA (p < .001). PA and HRQOL were also improved following PR (p < .001 and p = .013, respectively).Conclusions: Combined therapy of SABA and PR can increase PA and HRQOL in COPD patients.

Activity monitors in pulmonary disease

Physical activity is reduced in patients with chronic pulmonary diseases. Activity monitors can measure physical activity objectively and accurately over prolonged periods of time. Research grade and commercially available devices, using accelerometer technology, are being increasingly used in clinical studies. Physical activity levels have been found to have a moderate to strong correlation with important measures such as pulmonary function, exercise capacity, quality of life, and mortality and hospitalizations in patients with COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary arterial hypertension and cystic fibrosis. Their use as a clinical trial end-point and as a tool to augment rehabilitation efforts has also been explored in patients with COPD with variable results. Due to the ease of use, economic viability, widespread availability and good patient compliance, their use in adult and pediatric medicine is expanding. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence of use of activity monitors in COPD, interstitial lung disease, asthma, pulmonary arterial hypertension, cystic fibrosis and lung transplant patients for the purposes of prognostication, monitoring, outcome measures and intervention.

Improvement of physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by pulmonary rehabilitation and pharmacological treatment

Physical activity (PA) is defined as bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles with energy expenditure beyond resting levels. PA is closely related to reduced morbidity and mortality in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Self-report questionnaires are often subject to recall bias, correlating poorly with objectively qualified PA, and do not provide an accurate estimate of free-living energy expenditure. PA may be objectively evaluated by newly developed tri-axial accelerometers by quantifying steps or body movements over a period of time. Low-intensity, home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) using pedometer feedback improves PA. Improvement in physiological factors correlates with increased walking time in stable elderly COPD patients. This review focuses on the effects of PR and pharmacological treatment on PA in COPD patients. We selected 32 studies from our literature search evaluating the effects of PR and 11 studies examining the effects of pharmacological treatment on PA. Findings in both categories were inconsistent. Nineteen studies showed a positive effect with PR whereas 13 showed no effect. Eight studies showed a positive effect, while three revealed no effect from pharmacological intervention. As both interventions increase exercise capacity without a consistent effect on PA, counseling with behavioral changes may be necessary to achieve a significant and lasting increase in PA. Changing PA behavior in COPD patients requires an interdisciplinary approach involving specialists in respiratory medicine, rehabilitation, social, and behavioral sciences. Future research in this area is warranted to advance our knowledge in this area, specifically with regard to the interaction of pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions.

Verification of a Motion Sensor for Evaluating Physical Activity in COPD Patients

Background

Objective evaluation of the physical activity (PA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is important. We validated a triaxial accelerometer, Active Style Pro HJA-750C® (HJA), and evaluated the necessary conditions for obtaining reproducible data.

Methods

The PA measured by HJA was compared with that measured by two already validated accelerometers in 11 patients with COPD (age: 76.6 ± 6.9, FEV1% predicted: 57.6 ± 18.6). Then, the influence of weather and holidays on the PA and the required number of days to obtain repeatability were examined in 21 patients with COPD (age: 73.0 ± 8.0, FEV1% predicted: 58.7 ± 19.0).

Results

The PA values measured by HJA and those by DynaPort Move Monitor® (DMM) or Actimarker® (AM) were significantly correlated at all intensities (p=0.024 at ≥4.0 METs by DMM and p < 0.0001 at the rest) except at ≥4.0 METs by AM, though the values measured by HJA were higher than those by AM which was reported to underestimate PA. The durations of PA on rainy days were significantly shorter than those on nonrainy days, but those on holidays were not different from those on weekdays. The values of ICC for 3, 4, or 5 days were higher than 0.8 at all intensities. The PA measured by HJA was correlated with the dyspnea scale FVC and age and tended to correlate with FEV1.

Conclusions

The HJA was validated for evaluating the PA in patients with COPD. This trial is registered with UMIN000016363.

Efficacy of supervised maintenance exercise following pulmonary rehabilitation on health care use: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

The clinical benefit of continued supervised maintenance exercise programs following pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the available evidence on the efficacy of supervised maintenance exercise programs compared to usual care following pulmonary rehabilitation completion on health care use and mortality.

Methods

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and PEDro) and trial registers (ClinicalTrials.gov and Current Controlled Trials) were searched for randomized trials comparing supervised maintenance exercise programs with usual care following pulmonary rehabilitation completion. Primary outcomes were respiratory-cause hospital admissions, exacerbations requiring treatment with antibiotics and/or systemic corticosteroids, and mortality.

Results

Eight trials (790 COPD patients) met the inclusion criteria, six providing data for meta-analysis. Continued supervised maintenance exercise compared to usual care following pulmonary rehabilitation completion significantly reduced the risk of experiencing at least one respiratory-cause hospital admission (risk ratio 0.62, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.47–0.81, P<0.001). Meta-analyses also suggested that supervised maintenance exercise leads to a clinically important reduction in the rate of respiratory-cause hospital admissions (rate ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.50–1.05, P=0.09), overall risk of an exacerbation (risk ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.52–1.19, P=0.25), and mortality (risk ratio 0.57, 95% CI 0.17–1.92, P=0.37).

Conclusion

In the first systematic review of the area, current evidence demonstrates that continued supervised maintenance exercise compared to usual care following pulmonary rehabilitation reduces health care use in COPD. The variance in the quality of the evidence included in this review highlights the need for this evidence to be followed up with further high-quality randomized trials.

Telemonitoring of home exercise cycle training in patients with COPD

Background

Regular physical activity is associated with reduced mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Interventions to reduce time spent in sedentary behavior could improve outcomes. The primary purpose was to investigate the impact of telemonitoring with supportive phone calls on daily exercise times with newly established home exercise bicycle training. The secondary aim was to examine the potential improvement in health-related quality of life and physical activity compared to baseline.

Methods

This prospective crossover-randomized study was performed over 6 months in stable COPD patients. The intervention phase (domiciliary training with supporting telephone calls) and the control phase (training without phone calls) were randomly assigned to the first or the last 3 months. In the intervention phase, patients were called once a week if they did not achieve a real-time monitored daily cycle time of 20 minutes. Secondary aims were evaluated at baseline and after 3 and 6 months. Health-related quality of life was measured by the COPD Assessment Test (CAT), physical activity by the Godin Leisure Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ).

Results

Of the 53 included patients, 44 patients completed the study (forced expiratory volume in 1 second 47.5%±15.8% predicted). In the intervention phase, daily exercise time was significantly higher compared to the control phase (24.2±9.4 versus 19.6±10.3 minutes). Compared to baseline (17.6±6.1), the CAT-score improved in the intervention phase to 15.3±7.6 and in the control phase to 15.7±7.3 units. The GLTEQ-score increased from 12.2±12.1 points to 36.3±16.3 and 33.7±17.3.

Conclusion

Telemonitoring is a simple method to enhance home exercise training and physical activity, improving health-related quality of life.

Differences in physical activity according to mMRC grade in patients with COPD

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) is impaired from the early stages of COPD, is associated with a worsening of disease prognosis, and causes COPD patients to restrict their daily activities in order to avoid breathlessness. The development of a simple tool to estimate physical activity level (PAL) could be useful for the management of COPD.

OBJECTIVES

We investigated the differences in PA according to the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) grade in patients with COPD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed on stable outpatients with COPD. PA was measured for 2 weeks using a triaxial accelerometer, and dyspnea grade was evaluated in all patients using the mMRC scale.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were recruited. Significant differences in PA duration were observed at all intensities according to the mMRC grade. Despite treatment with controller medications, 59.2% of COPD patients had low PAL, which was <1.5 metabolic equivalents multiplied by hour per day. COPD patients with an mMRC grade ≥2, which was the most balanced cutoff point in the receiver operating characteristic curve, showed a higher reduction rate of PAL (80.0% at mMRC grade 2, 71.4% at mMRC grade 3, and 100% at mMRC grade 4).

CONCLUSION

PA differed according to the mMRC grade, and mMRC grade ≥2 could predict a low PAL. Therefore, assessment of breathlessness by the mMRC questionnaire would be useful to stratify the risks of reduced PA in COPD.

Walk2Bactive: A randomised controlled trial of a physical activity-focused behavioural intervention beyond pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of a physical activity (PA)-focused behavioural intervention during and after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on PA levels (primary aim), health-related outcomes and self-efficacy (secondary aims) of patients with COPD. Thirty-two patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or control group (CG). The EG received a PA-focused behavioural intervention during PR (3 months) and follow-up support (3 months). The CG received PR (3 months). Daily PA was collected: number of steps; time spent in moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA), total PA and sedentary activities (SA). Secondary outcomes comprised exercise capacity, muscle strength, health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and self-efficacy. Measures were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Compared with the CG, the EG improved the number of steps (p = 0.006) and time spent in MVPA (p = 0.007), total PA (p = 0.014) and SA (p = 0.018) at 3 months. Differences were maintained after follow-up support (0.025 ≤ p ≤ 0.040), except for SA (p = 0.781). Exercise capacity, muscle strength and HRQOL were increased at 3 and 6 months (p ≤ 0.002) with no between-group differences (0.148 ≤ p ≤ 0.987). No changes were observed in self-efficacy (p = 0.899). A PA-focused behavioural intervention during and after PR may improve patients' PA levels. Further research is warranted to assess the sustainability of the findings.

The effects of a physical activity counseling program after an exacerbation in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a randomized controlled pilot study

Background

In some patients with COPD, the disease is characterized by exacerbations. Severe exacerbations warrant a hospitalization, with prolonged detrimental effects on physical activity. Interventions after an exacerbation may improve physical activity, with longstanding health benefits. Physical activity counseling and real-time feedback were effective in stable COPD. No evidence is available on the use of this therapeutic modality in patients after a COPD exacerbation.

Methods

Thirty patients were randomly assigned to usual care or physical activity counseling, by telephone contacts at a frequency of 3 times a week and real-time feedback. Lung function, peripheral muscle strength, functional exercise capacity, symptom experience and COPD-related health status were assessed during hospital stay and 1 month later.

Results

Both groups significantly recovered in physical activity (PAsteps: control group: 1013 ± 1275 steps vs intervention group: 984 ± 1208 steps (p = 0.0005); PAwalk: control group: 13 ± 14 min vs intervention group: 13 ± 16 min (p = 0.0002)), functional exercise capacity (control group: 64 ± 59 m (p = 0.002) vs intervention group: 67 ± 84 m (p = 0.02)) and COPD-related health status (CAT: control group: −5 [−7 to 1] (p = 0.02) vs intervention group: −3 [−10 to 1] points (p = 0.03)). No differences between groups were observed.

Conclusion

From our pilot study, we concluded that telephone based physical activity counseling with pedometer feedback after an exacerbation did not result in better improvements in physical activity and clinical outcomes compared to usual care. Because of the difficult recruitment and the negative intermediate analyses, this study was not continued.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02223962. Registered 4 September 2013.

Patient-centered physical activity coaching in COPD (Walk On!): A study protocol for a pragmatic randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Physical inactivity is significantly associated with more frequent hospitalizations and increased mortality in COPD even after adjusting for disease severity. While practice guidelines recommend regular physical activity for all patients with COPD, health systems are challenged in operationalizing an effective and sustainable approach to assist patients in being physically active.

METHODS

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial design was used to determine the effectiveness of a 12-month home and community-based physical activity coaching intervention (Walk On!) compared to standard care for 1650 patients at high risk for COPD exacerbations from a large integrated health care system. Eligible patients with a COPD-related hospitalization, emergency department visit, or observational stay in the previous 12months were automatically identified from the electronic medical records (EMR) system and randomized to treatment arms. The Walk On! intervention included collaborative monitoring of step counts, semi-automated step goal recommendations, individualized reinforcement from a physical activity coach, and peer/family support.

RESULTS

The primary composite outcome included all-cause hospitalizations, emergency department visits, observational stays, and death in the 12months following randomization. Secondary outcomes included COPD-related utilization, cardio-metabolic markers, physical activity, symptoms, and health-related quality of life. With the exception of patient reported outcomes, all utilization and clinical variables were automatically captured from the EMR.

CONCLUSIONS

If successful, findings from this multi-stakeholder driven trial of a generalizable and scalable physical activity intervention, carefully designed with sufficient flexibility, intensity, and support for a large ethnically diverse sample could re-define the standard of care to effectively address physical inactivity in COPD.

Effects of low-intensity exercise and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation with pedometer feedback on physical activity in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

PURPOSE

We evaluated the effects of low-intensity and home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) on physical activity (PA) and the feedback provided by a pedometer in stable elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

METHODS

We assessed PA using a newly developed triaxial accelerometer (A-MES™, Kumamoto, Japan), which measures the time spent walking, standing, sitting and lying down. Twenty-seven elderly patients with COPD (age 74 ± 8 yrs; %FEV1 56.6 ± 18.7%) participated. They were randomly selected to undergo PR (pulmonary rehabilitation only) or PR + P (PR plus the feedback from using a pedometer). Their PA and pulmonary function, exercise capacity (6-min walking distance; 6MWD), quadriceps femoris muscle force (QF) were evaluated before the PR began (baseline) and at 1 year later. We compared the patients' changes in PA and other factors between the baseline values and those obtained 1 year later and analyzed the relationships between the changes in PA and other factors in the both groups.

RESULTS

The increase in the time spent walking in the PR + P group (51.3 ± 63.7 min/day) was significantly greater than that of PR group (12.3 ± 25.5 min/day) after the PR. The improvement rate of daily walking time after PR was significantly correlated with that of the 6MWD and QF in all subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that low-intensity and home-based PR with the feedback from using pedometer was effective in improving PA, and the improvements of physiological factors were correlated with increased walking time in stable elderly patients with COPD.

An official European Respiratory Society statement on physical activity in COPD

This European Respiratory Society (ERS) statement provides a comprehensive overview on physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A multidisciplinary Task Force of experts representing the ERS Scientific Group 01.02 "Rehabilitation and Chronic Care" determined the overall scope of this statement through consensus. Focused literature reviews were conducted in key topic areas and the final content of this Statement was agreed upon by all members. The current knowledge regarding physical activity in COPD is presented, including the definition of physical activity, the consequences of physical inactivity on lung function decline and COPD incidence, physical activity assessment, prevalence of physical inactivity in COPD, clinical correlates of physical activity, effects of physical inactivity on hospitalisations and mortality, and treatment strategies to improve physical activity in patients with COPD. This Task Force identified multiple major areas of research that need to be addressed further in the coming years. These include, but are not limited to, the disease-modifying potential of increased physical activity, and to further understand how improvements in exercise capacity, dyspnoea and self-efficacy following interventions may translate into increased physical activity. The Task Force recommends that this ERS statement should be reviewed periodically (e.g. every 5-8 years).

Validity and usability of low-cost accelerometers for internet-based self-monitoring of physical activity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background

The importance of regular physical activity for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is well-established. However, many patients do not meet the recommended daily amount. Accelerometers might provide patients with the information needed to increase physical activity in daily life.

Objective

Our objective was to assess the validity and usability of low-cost Internet-connected accelerometers. Furthermore we explored patients’ preferences with regards to the presentation of and feedback on monitored physical activity.

Methods

To assess concurrent validity we conducted a field validation study with patients who wore two low-cost accelerometers, Fitbit and Physical Activity Monitor (PAM), at the same time along with a sophisticated multisensor accelerometer (SenseWear Armband) for 48 hours. Data on energy expenditure assessed from registrations from the two low-cost accelerometers were compared to the well validated SenseWear Armband which served as a reference criterion. Usability was examined in a cross-over study with patients who, in succession, wore the Fitbit and the PAM for 7 consecutive days and filled out a 16 item questionnaire with regards to the use of the corresponding device

Results

The agreement between energy expenditure (METs) from the SenseWear Armband with METs estimated by the Fitbit and PAM was good (r=.77) and moderate (r=.41), respectively. The regression model that was developed for the Fitbit explained 92% whereas the PAM-model could explain 89% of total variance in METs measured by the SenseWear. With regards to the usability, both the Fitbit and PAM were well rated on all items. There were no significant differences between the two devices.

Conclusions

The low-cost Fitbit and PAM are valid and usable devices to measure physical activity in patients with COPD. These devices may be useful in long-term interventions aiming at increasing physical activity levels in these patients.

Self-efficacy enhancing intervention increases light physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease lead sedentary lives and could benefit from increasing their physical activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if an exercise-specific self-efficacy enhancing intervention could increase physical activity and functional performance when delivered in the context of 4 months of upper body resistance training with a 12-month follow-up.

METHODS

IN THIS RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL, SUBJECTS WERE ASSIGNED TO: exercise-specific self-efficacy enhancing intervention with upper body resistance training (SE-UBR), health education with upper body resistance training (ED-UBR), or health education with gentle chair exercises (ED-Chair). Physical activity was measured with an accelerometer and functional performance was measured with the Functional Performance Inventory. Forty-nine people with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease completed 4 months of training and provided valid accelerometry data, and 34 also provided accelerometry data at 12 months of follow-up. The self-efficacy enhancing intervention emphasized meeting physical activity guidelines and increasing moderate-to-vigorous physical activity.

RESULTS

Differences were observed in light physical activity (LPA) after 4 months of training, time by group interaction effect (P=0.045). The SE-UBR group increased time spent in LPA by +20.68±29.30 minutes/day and the other groups decreased time spent in LPA by -22.43±47.88 minutes/day and -25.73±51.76 minutes/day. Changes in LPA were not sustained at 12-month follow-up. There were no significant changes in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, sedentary time, or functional performance. Subjects spent most of their waking hours sedentary: 72%±9% for SE-UBR, 68%±10% for ED-UBR, and 74%±9% for ED-Chair.

CONCLUSION

The self-efficacy enhancing intervention produced a modest short-term increase in LPA. Further work is needed to increase the magnitude and duration of effect, possibly by targeting LPA.

Pedometers to enhance physical activity in COPD: a randomised controlled trial

Physical inactivity is a cardinal feature of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Pedometers, which have been used in healthy populations, might also increase physical activity in patients with COPD. COPD patients taking part in a 3-month individualised programme to promote an increase in their daily physical activity were randomised to either a standard programme of physical activity encouragement alone, or a pedometer-based programme. Assessments were performed by investigators blinded to treatment allocation. Change in average 1-week daily step count, 6-min walking distance (6MWD), modified Medical Research Council scale, St George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) and COPD assessment test (CAT) were compared between groups. 102 patients were recruited, of whom 97 completed the programme (pedometer group: n=50; control group: n=47); 60.8% were male with a mean±sd age of 68.7±8.5 years, and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) 66.1±19.4% and FEV1/forced vital capacity 55.2±9.5%. Both groups had comparable characteristics at baseline. The pedometer group had significantly greater improvements in: physical activity 3080±3254 steps·day(-1) versus 138.3±1950 steps·day(-1) (p<0.001); SGRQ -8.8±12.2 versus -3.8±10.9 (p=0.01); CAT score -3.5±5.5 versus -0.6±6.6 (p=0.001); and 6MWD 12.4±34.6 versus -0.7±24.4 m (p=0.02) than patients receiving activity encouragement only. A simple physical activity enhancement programme using pedometers can effectively improve physical activity level and quality of life in COPD patients.

Physical Activity Monitoring in Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Reduced physical activity (PA) in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality (e.g. exacerbations) and eventually leads to disability, depression, and social and physical isolation. Measuring PA in this population is important to accurately characterize COPD and to help clinicians during a baseline evaluation and patient follow-up. Also, it may help increase adherence to PA programs. There are reliable objective and subjective methods available to measure PA. Recently, several new monitors have been developed that have improved accuracy of such measurements. Because these devices provide real-time feedback, they may help to improve participant self-motivation strategies and reinforce daily lifestyle modifications, one of the main goals in COPD management. This review focuses on describing available instruments to measure PA, specifically in patients with COPD. The reliability, validity, advantages, limitations, and clinical applications of questionnaires, pedometers, and accelerometers are discussed. Finally, based on current published literature, we propose recommendations about which methods may be most useful in different research or clinical settings.

Efficacy of a physical exercise training programme COPD in primary care: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recognized as a systemic illness with significant extra-pulmonary features, such as exercise intolerance and muscle weakness. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been shown to be very effective in counteracting these consequences in patients with more advanced COPD. However, limited data is available on the efficacy of a physical exercise training programme in patients with mild to moderate COPD in primary care. Furthermore, it is unknown if improved exercise capacity translates into enhanced daily physical activities. The aim of this paper is to describe the design of a randomized controlled trial to assess the efficacy of a physical exercise training programme in patients with mild to moderate COPD.

Methods/design

In this randomized controlled trial situated in the primary care setting, 102 patients with mild to moderate airflow obstruction (FEV₁ ≥ 50% of predicted), dyspnoea and a physically inactive lifestyle will be randomized to an intervention or control group. The intervention group receives a 4-month physical exercise training programme at a local physiotherapy practice, which includes exercise training, resistance training, breathing exercises and advises on how to increase the level of physical activity. The control group receives usual care, i.e. advises on how to increase the level of physical activity and a sham treatment at a local physiotherapy practice of which no physiological training stimulus can be expected. Primary outcome is functional exercise capacity at 4-months measured on the six-minute walk distance. Secondary outcomes include peripheral muscle strength, physical activity in daily life, health related quality of life, Medical Research Council (MRC) dyspnoea score and patients’ perceived effectiveness. Follow-up measurement will take place at 6 months after baseline.

Discussion

This will be one of the first studies to evaluate the efficacy of a physical exercise training programme in patients with mild to moderate COPD completely recruited and assessed in primary care. The results of this trial may give a unique insight into the potential of the implementation of an easy, close-to-home rehabilitation programme.

Trial registration

The Netherlands National Trial Register NTR1471.

Association between peripheral muscle strength and daily physical activity in patients with COPD: a systematic literature review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease have skeletal muscle dysfunction and reduced daily physical activity (PA). Whether the reduction in quadriceps strength (QS) is directly linked to physical inactivity remains to be elucidated.

METHODS

A systematic review and a meta-analysis were conducted to determine the potential relationship between QS and the level of PA. The overall estimate of the correlation coefficient (r*) was calculated, and a subgroup analysis was conducted to analyze the association between QS and indices of PA separately.

RESULTS

A total of 8 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The overall association between QS and PA was low but highly significant (r * = 0.288, 95% CI = 0.180-0.389; P < .001). In the subgroup analysis, the association between QS and the number of steps per day was low (r = 0.260; 95% CI = 0.060-0.440) and the association between QS and the time spent walking was moderate (r = 0.418; 95% CI = 0.229-0.576).

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral muscle strength is associated with PA as assessed by the number of steps per day and the time spent walking in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The overall association between QS and PA was low to moderate and highly significant.

Association between peripheral muscle strength, exercise performance, and physical activity in daily life in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

BACKGROUND

Resistance training of peripheral muscles has been recommended in order to increase muscle strength in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, whether peripheral muscle strength is associated with exercise performance (EP) and physical activity in daily life (PADL) in these patients needs to be investigated. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether strength of the quadriceps muscle (QS) is associated with EP and daily PADL in patients with COPD.

METHODS

We studied patients with COPD (GOLD A-D) and measured maximal isometric strength of the left QS. PADL was measured for 7 days with a SenseWear-Pro® accelerometer. EP was quantified by the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), the number of stands in the Sit-to-Stand Test (STST), and the handgrip-strength. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to examine possible associations between QS, PADL and EP.

RESULTS

In 27 patients with COPD with a mean (SD) FEV1 of 37.6 (17.6)% predicted, QS was associated with 6MWD, STST, and handgrip-strength but not with PADL. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that QS was independently associated with the 6MWD (β = 0.42, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.84, p = 0.019), STST (β = 0.50, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.86, p = 0.014) and with handgrip-strength (β = 0.45, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.84, p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Peripheral muscle strength may be associated with exercise performance but not with physical activity in daily life. This may be due to the fact that EP tests evaluate patients' true abilities while PADL accelerometers may not.

The Effect of a Short Duration, High Intensity Exercise Intervention on Gait Biomechanics in Patients With COPD: Findings From a Pilot Study

Previous work has shown that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) demonstrate changes in their gait biomechanics as compared to controls. This pilot study was designed to explore the possibility that biomechanical alterations present in COPD patients might be amenable to treatment by exercise training of skeletal muscle. This study investigated the effect of a 6-week exercise intervention on gait biomechanics in patients with COPD under both a rest and a non-rested condition. Seven patients with COPD underwent a supervised cardio-respiratory and strength training protocol 2-3 times per week for 6-weeks for a total of 16-sessions. Spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic gait variables were collected prior to and post intervention. All patients demonstrated significant improvements in strength following the intervention. The knee joint biomechanics demonstrated a significant main effect for intervention and for condition. Step width demonstrated a significant interaction as it decreased from pre- to post-intervention under the rest condition and increased under the non-rested condition. It does appear that being pushed (non-rested) has a strong influence at the knee joint. The quadriceps muscles, the primary knee extensors, have been shown to demonstrate muscular abnormalities in patients with COPD and the intervention may have influenced gait patterns through an effect on this skeletal muscle structure and function. Additionally, the intervention influenced step width closer to a more healthy value. Patients with COPD are more likely to fall and step width is a risk factor for falling suggesting the intervention may address fall risk. Whether a longer duration intervention would have more profound effects remains to be tested.

Motivational cues as real-time feedback for changing daily activity behavior of patients with COPD

OBJECTIVE

To investigate how COPD patients respond to motivational cues that aim to improve activity behavior and how these responses are related to cue- and context characteristics. In addition, to explore whether activity can be increased and better distributed over the day by providing such cues.

METHODS

Fifteen COPD patients participated. Patients used an activity sensor with a smartphone for four weeks, at least four days/week. Patients received motivational cues every 2h with advice on how to improve their activity, on top of real-time visual feedback. The response was calculated by the amount of activity 30 min before and after a cue.

RESULTS

In total, 1488 cues were generated. The amount of activity significantly decreased in the 30 min after a discouraging cue (p<0.001) and significantly increased (p<0.05) in the 10 min after an encouraging cue. The activity level increased with 13% in the intervention period compared to corrected baseline (p=0.008). The activity was not more balanced over the day.

CONCLUSIONS

COPD patients significantly change their activity level in response to motivational cues, based on continuous ambulatory assessment of activity levels.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Motivational cues could be a valuable component of telemedicine interventions that aim to improve activity behavior.

An official American Thoracic Society/European Respiratory Society statement: key concepts and advances in pulmonary rehabilitation

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary rehabilitation is recognized as a core component of the management of individuals with chronic respiratory disease. Since the 2006 American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) Statement on Pulmonary Rehabilitation, there has been considerable growth in our knowledge of its efficacy and scope.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Statement is to update the 2006 document, including a new definition of pulmonary rehabilitation and highlighting key concepts and major advances in the field.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary committee of experts representing the ATS Pulmonary Rehabilitation Assembly and the ERS Scientific Group 01.02, "Rehabilitation and Chronic Care," determined the overall scope of this update through group consensus. Focused literature reviews in key topic areas were conducted by committee members with relevant clinical and scientific expertise. The final content of this Statement was agreed on by all members.

RESULTS

An updated definition of pulmonary rehabilitation is proposed. New data are presented on the science and application of pulmonary rehabilitation, including its effectiveness in acutely ill individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and in individuals with other chronic respiratory diseases. The important role of pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic disease management is highlighted. In addition, the role of health behavior change in optimizing and maintaining benefits is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

The considerable growth in the science and application of pulmonary rehabilitation since 2006 adds further support for its efficacy in a wide range of individuals with chronic respiratory disease.

Discrepancy between functional exercise capacity and daily physical activity: a cross-sectional study in patients with mild to moderate COPD

BACKGROUND

In patients with moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) the six-minute walk distance reflects the functional exercise level for daily physical activity. It is unknown if this also applies to patients with mild to moderate COPD in primary care.

AIMS

To assess the relationship between functional exercise capacity and physical activity in patients with mild to moderate COPD.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was performed in 51 patients with mild to moderate COPD in primary care. Functional exercise capacity was assessed by the six-minute walk test and physical activity was measured with an accelerometer-based activity monitor.

RESULTS

Functional exercise capacity was close to normal values. However, the daily physical activity of the patients could be classified as 'sedentary' and 'low active'. No significant correlations were observed between six-minute walk distance (% predicted) and any of the physical activity variables (steps per day, movement intensity during walking, total active time, total walking time, physical activity level, and time spent in moderate physical activity).

CONCLUSIONS

A discrepancy was found between functional exercise capacity and daily physical activity in patients with mild to moderate COPD recruited and assessed in primary care. We conclude that these variables represent two different concepts. Our results reinforce the importance of measuring daily physical activity in order to fine-tune treatment (i.e. focusing on enhancement of exercise capacity or behavioural change, or both).

A telerehabilitation intervention for patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: a randomized controlled pilot trial

OBJECTIVE

First, to investigate the effects of a telerehabilitation intervention on health status and activity level of patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), compared to usual care. Second, to investigate how patients comply with the intervention and whether compliance is related to treatment outcomes.

DESIGN

a randomized controlled pilot trial

SUBJECTS

Thirty-four patients diagnosed with COPD.

INTERVENTION

The telerehabilitation application consists of an activity coach (3D-accelerometer with smartphone) for ambulant activity registration and real-time feedback, complemented by a web portal with a symptom diary for self-treatment of exacerbations. The intervention group used the application for 4 weeks. The control group received usual care.

MAIN MEASURES

Activity level measured by a pedometer (in steps/day), health status by the Clinical COPD Questionnaire at baseline and after intervention. Compliance was expressed as the time the activity coach was worn.

RESULTS

Fourteen intervention and 16 control patients completed the study. Activity level (steps/day) was not significantly affected by the intervention over time. There was a non-significant difference in improvement in health status between the intervention (-0.34±0.55) and control group (0.02±0.57, p=0.10). Health status significantly improved within the intervention group (p=0.05). The activity coach was used more than prescribed (108%) and compliance was related to the increase in activity level for the first two feedback weeks (r=0.62, p=0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study shows the potential of the telerehabilitation intervention: compliance with the activity coach was high, which directly related to an improvement in activity levels.

Physical activity level and its clinical correlates in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a cross-sectional study

Background

Decreased physical activity is associated with higher mortality in subjects with COPD. The aim of this study was to assess clinical characteristics and physical activity levels (PALs) in subjects with COPD.

Methods

Seventy-three subjects with COPD (67 ± 7 yrs, 44 female) with one-second forced expiratory volume percentage (FEV₁%) predicted values of 43 ± 16 were included. The ratio of total energy expenditure (TEE) and resting metabolic rate (RMR) was used to define the physical activity level (PAL) (PAL = TEE/RMR). TEE was assessed with an activity monitor (ActiReg), and RMR was measured by indirect calorimetry. Walking speed (measured over 30-meters), maximal quadriceps muscle strength, fat-free mass and systemic inflammation were measured as clinical characteristics. Hierarchical linear regression was applied to investigate the explanatory values of the clinical correlates to PAL.

Results

The mean PAL was 1.47 ± 0.19, and 92% of subjects were classified as physically very inactive or sedentary. The walking speed was 1.02 ± 0.23 m/s, the quadriceps strength was 31.3 ± 11.2 kg, and the fat-free mass index (FFMI) was 15.7 ± 2.3 kg/m², identifying 42% of subjects as slow walkers, 21% as muscle-weak and 49% as FFM-depleted. The regression model explained 45.5% (p < 0.001) of the variance in PAL. The FEV₁% predicted explained the largest proportion (22.5%), with further improvements in the model from walking speed (10.1%), muscle strength (7.0%) and FFMI (3.0%). Neither age, gender nor systemic inflammation contributed to the model.

Conclusions

Apart from lung function, walking speed and muscle strength are important correlates of physical activity. Further explorations of the longitudinal effects of the factors characterizing the most inactive subjects are warranted.

Subgroup analysis of symptoms and their effect on functioning, exercise capacity, and physical activity in patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

BACKGROUND

Little is known about symptom clusters and their effect on outcomes in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

PURPOSES

To determine whether subgroups of patients with COPD could be identified by symptom ratings, whether they differed on selected demographic and clinical characteristics, and whether they differed on functioning, exercise capacity, and physical activity.

METHOD

Subjects with severe COPD (n = 596) were drawn from the National Emphysema Treatment Trial dataset. Data were drawn from questionnaires and clinical measures.

RESULTS

Two subgroup clusters emerged from four symptoms. Mean age and the proportion of participants with higher education, higher income levels, and using oxygen at rest were significantly different between subgroups. Participants with high levels of symptoms had lower functioning and decreased exercise capacity. Symptom cluster subgroups were significantly associated with social functioning.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that screening for high levels of symptoms may be important in patients with severe COPD.

Improving physical activity in COPD: towards a new paradigm

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a debilitating disease affecting patients in daily life, both physically and emotionally. Symptoms such as dyspnea and muscle fatigue, lead to exercise intolerance, which, together with behavioral issues, trigger physical inactivity, a key feature of COPD. Physical inactivity is associated with adverse clinical outcomes, including hospitalization and all-cause mortality. Increasing activity levels is crucial for effective management strategies and could lead to improved long-term outcomes. In this review we summarize objective and subjective instruments for evaluating physical activity and focus on interventions such as pulmonary rehabilitation or bronchodilators aimed at increasing activity levels. To date, only limited evidence exists to support the effectiveness of these interventions. We suggest that a multimodal approach comprising pulmonary rehabilitation, pharmacotherapy, and counselling programs aimed at addressing emotional and behavioural aspects of COPD may be an effective way to increase physical activity and improve health status in the long term.

Intensity of daily physical activity is associated with central hemodynamic and leg muscle oxygen availability in COPD

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), daily physical activity is reported to be adversely associated with the magnitude of exercise-induced dynamic hyperinflation and peripheral muscle weakness. There is limited evidence whether central hemodynamic, oxygen transport, and peripheral muscle oxygenation capacities also contribute to reduced daily physical activity. Nineteen patients with COPD (FEV1, 48 ± 14% predicted) underwent a treadmill walking test at a speed corresponding to the individual patient's mean walking intensity, captured by a triaxial accelerometer during a preceding 7-day period. During the indoor treadmill test, the individual patient mean walking intensity (range, 1.5 to 2.3 m/s2) was significantly correlated with changes from baseline in cardiac output recorded by impedance cardiography (range, 1.2 to 4.2 L/min; r = 0.73), systemic vascular conductance (range, 7.9 to 33.7 ml·min(-1)·mmHg(-1); r = 0.77), systemic oxygen delivery estimated from cardiac output and arterial pulse-oxymetry saturation (range, 0.15 to 0.99 L/min; r = 0.70), arterio-venous oxygen content difference calculated from oxygen uptake and cardiac output (range, 3.7 to 11.8 mlO2/100 ml; r = -0.73), and quadriceps muscle fractional oxygen saturation assessed by near-infrared spectrometry (range, -6 to 23%; r = 0.77). In addition, mean walking intensity significantly correlated with the quadriceps muscle force adjusted for body weight (range, 0.28 to 0.60; r = 0.74) and the ratio of minute ventilation over maximal voluntary ventilation (range, 38 to 89%, r = -0.58). In COPD, in addition to ventilatory limitations and peripheral muscle weakness, intensity of daily physical activity is associated with both central hemodynamic and peripheral muscle oxygenation capacities regulating the adequacy of matching peripheral muscle oxygen availability by systemic oxygen transport.

Barriers and enablers to physical activity participation in patients with COPD: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Physical activity (PA) has been shown to improve symptoms in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Despite the high health and financial costs, the uptake of management strategies, particularly participation in PA and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), are low. The review objective here was to identify potential barriers and enablers, which people with COPD report being associated with their participation in PA programs, including PR.

METHODS

A systematic search was undertaken to identify studies (published Jan 2000 to Aug 2011) reporting any barriers and enablers experienced by people with COPD regarding participation in PA and PR. Methodological quality of the studies was appraised using McMaster critical appraisal tools. A narrative summary of findings was undertaken reporting on individual study characteristics, country of origin, participants, and potential barriers and enablers.

RESULTS

Eleven studies (8 qualitative and 3 quantitative) met the inclusion criteria for this systematic review. Several methodological issues (small sampling, poor description of data collection and analysis, issues with generalizability of the research findings) were common among included studies. Barriers identified included changing health status, personal issues, lack of support, external factors, ongoing smoking, and program-specific barriers. Enablers identified included social support, professional support, personal drivers, personal benefit, control of condition, specific goals, and program-specific enablers.

CONCLUSION

The findings from this review may assist health professionals, patients, care givers and the wider community to develop effective strategies to promote participation in PA and PR among people with COPD.

Telemonitoring of Daily Activity and Symptom Behavior in Patients with COPD

Objectives. This study investigated the activity behavior of patients with COPD in detail compared to asymptomatic controls, and the relationship between subjective and objective activities (awareness), and readiness to change activity behavior. Methods. Thirty-nine patients with COPD (66.0 years; FEV₁% predicted: 44.9%) and 21 healthy controls (57.0 years) participated. Objective daily activity was assessed by accelerometry and expressed as amount of activity in counts per minute (cpm). Patients' baseline subjective activity and stage of change were assessed prior to measurements. Results. Mean daily activity in COPD patients was significantly lower compared to the healthy controls (864 ± 277 cpm versus 1162 ± 282 cpm, P < 0.001). COPD patients showed a temporary decrease in objective activities in the early afternoon. Objective and subjective activities were significantly moderately related and most patients (55.3%) were in the maintenance phase of the stages of change. Conclusions. COPD patients show a distinctive activity decrease in the early afternoon. COPD patients are moderately aware of their daily activity but regard themselves as physically active. Therefore, future telemedicine interventions might consider creating awareness of an active lifestyle and provide feedback that aims to increase and balance activity levels.