Physical activity profile of patients with COPD participating in Pulmonary Rehabilitation programmes

Abstract

Reduced physical activity (PA) levels have been associated with a higher risk for hospitalisations and mortality in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has the potential to improve these patients’ PA levels. However, before patients engage in PR programmes, it is important to determine their baseline PA levels and how these are related to other health measures. Overall, results showed that patients present low PA levels, independently of the disease severity, which are related to poorer health outcomes. Findings provide the first insight into the PA profile of patients with COPD entering PR programmes, which are of great value for health professionals to implement these interventions