Physical activity patterns in patients with different degrees of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

• Purpose: It has previously been suggested that exercise capacity is decreased in COPD patients and that it is associated with degree of disease. The reduced exercise capacity may plausibly be due to low levels of physical activity in this patient group. In the present study we aimed to assess exercise capacity and physical activity in different stages of COPD and to examine the associations between exercise capacity, pulmonary function and degree of physical activity.Methods: 44 COPD patients and 17 healthy subjects participated in the study. Exercise capacity was assessed using the 6 minute walking test and physical activity was assessed using a uniaxial accelerometer worn all waking hours during seven days.Results: Mean exercise capacity was significantly lower in COPD patients compared to healthy subjects. Mean physical activity level and time spent at least moderately active were significantly lower in patients with moderate and severe COPD compared to healthy subjects while no differences in time spent sedentary were observed between the study groups. Pulmonary function, mean physical activity level and time spent at least moderately physically active were significantly associated with exercise capacity in the patients.Conclusions: Patients with moderate and severe COPD are significantly less physically active compared to healthy subjects. Furthermore, mean physical activity level as well as physical activity of at least moderate intensity are positively associated with exercise capacity in COPD patients while time spent sedentary is not which stresses an important role of physical activity on exercise capacity in this patient group. 

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Fysiologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Physiology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Physiology

Fysiologi

MEDICINE

MEDICIN

Fysiologi

Physiology

Medicine

Medicin

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vet (ämneskategori)

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