A subgroup analysis reported significant differences in the promotion of physical activity based on baseline physical activity levels and the type of instrument used to assess levels of physical activity .
Efficacy of an mHealth intervention to stimulate physical activity in COPD patients after pulmonary rehabilitation
Physical inactivity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) is associated with poor health status and increased disease burden . The present study aims to test the efficacy of a previously developed mobile (m)Health intervention to improve or maintain physical activity in patients with COPD after pulmonary rehabilitation . A r and omised controlled trial was performed in 32 physiotherapy practice s in the Netherl and s. COPD patients were r and omised into intervention or usual care groups . The intervention consisted of a smartphone application for the patients and a monitoring website for the physiotherapists . Measurements were performed at 0 , 3 , 6 and 12 months . Physical activity , functional exercise capacity , lung function , health-related quality of life and body mass index were assessed . 157 patients started the study and 121 completed it . There were no significant positive effects of the intervention on physical activity ( at 0 months : intervention 5824±3418 steps per weekday , usual care 5717±2870 steps per weekday ; at 12 months : intervention 4819±2526 steps per weekday , usual care 4950±2634 steps per weekday ; p=0.811 ) or on the secondary end-points . There was a significant decrease over time in physical activity ( p<0.001 ) , lung function ( p<0.001 ) and mastery ( p=0.017 ) , but not in functional exercise capacity ( p=0.585 ) . Although functional exercise capacity did not deteriorate , our mHealth intervention did not improve or maintain physical activity in patients with COPD after a period of pulmonary rehabilitation . mHealth intervention does not improve or maintain physical activity in COPD patients after pulmonary rehabilitation
A subgroup analysis reported significant differences in the promotion of physical activity based on baseline physical activity levels and the type of instrument used to assess levels of physical activity .