Interventions that included ET and PA counseling during PR were effective strategies to improve PA in COPD
BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is associated with poor outcomes in COPD , and as a result , interventions to improve physical activity ( PA ) are a current research focus .
However , many trials have been small and inconclusive .
OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to study the effects of r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) targeting PA in COPD .
Short- and long-term effects of a physical activity counselling programme in COPD: a randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND We were interested in the effects of a physical activity ( PA ) counselling programme in three groups of COPD patients from general practice ( primary care ) , outpatient clinic ( secondary care ) and pulmonary rehabilitation ( PR ) . METHODS In this r and omized controlled trial 155 COPD patients , 102 males , median ( IQR ) age 62 ( 54 - 69 ) y , FEV1predicted 60 ( 40 - 75 ) % were assigned to a 12-weeks ' physical activity counselling programme or usual care .  Physical activity ( pedometer ( Yamax SW200 ) and metabolic equivalents ) , exercise capacity ( 6-min walking distance ) and quality of life ( Chronic Respiratory Question naire and Clinical COPD Question naire ) were assessed at baseline , after three and 15 months . RESULTS A significant difference between the counselling and usual care group in daily steps ( 803 steps , p = 0.001 ) and daily physical activity ( 2214 steps + equivalents , p = 0.001 ) ) from 0 to 3 months was found in the total group , as well as in the outpatient ( 1816 steps , 2616 steps + equivalents , both p = 0.007 ) and PR ( 758 steps , 2151 steps + equivalents , both p = 0.03 ) subgroups . From 0 to 15 months no differences were found in physical activity . However , when patients with baseline physical activity>10,000 steps per day ( n = 8) , who are already sufficiently active , were excluded , a significant long-term effect of the counselling programme on daily physical activity existed in the total group ( p = 0.02 ) . Differences in exercise capacity and quality of life were found only from 0 to 3 months , in the outpatient subgroup . CONCLUSION Our PA counselling programme  effectively enhances PA level in COPD patients after three months . Sedentary patients at baseline still benefit after 15 months . Clinical Trials.gov : registration number NCT00614796
Interventions that included ET and PA counseling during PR were effective strategies to improve PA in COPD
BACKGROUND Physical inactivity is associated with poor outcomes in COPD , and as a result , interventions to improve physical activity ( PA ) are a current research focus .
However , many trials have been small and inconclusive .
OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review and meta- analysis was to study the effects of r and omized controlled trials ( RCTs ) targeting PA in COPD .