Abstract
Purpose:
While physical activity is recognized as an essential component in
COPD treatment, patients with COPD often exhibit lower levels of
physical activity compared with their lung-healthy peers. The primary
objective of our study was to describe the proportion of
patients with COPD who report avoidance behavior related to physical
activity.
Methods:
A questionnaire-based, observational study was conducted among
patients with COPD, scheduled to attend a pulmonary rehabilitation
program. Participants completed the COPD Anxiety Questionnaire
(CAF-R) and functional tests were conducted prior to participation
of the rehabilitation program.
Results:
We included 48 participants (24 males, mean: age 70±7.8 years, body
mass index 25±5.0, MRC dyspnoea scale 2.5±0.9, One-Minute-Sit-
To-Stand-Test 19 ±6.0 repetitions). Findings revealed that 60% (95%
CI [46%-0,74%]) reported avoidance of physical exertion, 44% (95%
CI [24%-52%]) avoid activities causing breathlessness, and 35%
(95% CI [22%-48%]) try avoid any form of physical activity.
Conclusions:
Our findings show that a large proportion of patients with COPD
exhibit avoidance behavior concerning physical activity. While the
underlying reasons are likely multifaceted, apprehension towards
breathlessness emerges as a potential contributing factor. The results
underscore the importance of investigating avoidance behavior in
people with COPD to better understand how to promote physical
activity within this population. Future interventions designed to
increase physical activity in patients with COPD should include
identification of the extent of avoidance behavior and implementation
of strategies to manage the behavior, such as exposing individuals
to physical activity within a secure environment.
While physical activity is recognized as an essential component in
COPD treatment, patients with COPD often exhibit lower levels of
physical activity compared with their lung-healthy peers. The primary
objective of our study was to describe the proportion of
patients with COPD who report avoidance behavior related to physical
activity.
Methods:
A questionnaire-based, observational study was conducted among
patients with COPD, scheduled to attend a pulmonary rehabilitation
program. Participants completed the COPD Anxiety Questionnaire
(CAF-R) and functional tests were conducted prior to participation
of the rehabilitation program.
Results:
We included 48 participants (24 males, mean: age 70±7.8 years, body
mass index 25±5.0, MRC dyspnoea scale 2.5±0.9, One-Minute-Sit-
To-Stand-Test 19 ±6.0 repetitions). Findings revealed that 60% (95%
CI [46%-0,74%]) reported avoidance of physical exertion, 44% (95%
CI [24%-52%]) avoid activities causing breathlessness, and 35%
(95% CI [22%-48%]) try avoid any form of physical activity.
Conclusions:
Our findings show that a large proportion of patients with COPD
exhibit avoidance behavior concerning physical activity. While the
underlying reasons are likely multifaceted, apprehension towards
breathlessness emerges as a potential contributing factor. The results
underscore the importance of investigating avoidance behavior in
people with COPD to better understand how to promote physical
activity within this population. Future interventions designed to
increase physical activity in patients with COPD should include
identification of the extent of avoidance behavior and implementation
of strategies to manage the behavior, such as exposing individuals
to physical activity within a secure environment.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | European Journal of Public Health |
| ISSN | 1101-1262 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Sept 2024 |
| Event | WHO, Health Enhancing Physical Activity Conference, 2024 - Dublin, Ireland Duration: 19 Aug 2024 → 21 Aug 2024 Conference number: 15 |
Conference
| Conference | WHO, Health Enhancing Physical Activity Conference, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Number | 15 |
| Country/Territory | Ireland |
| City | Dublin |
| Period | 19/08/2024 → 21/08/2024 |