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 .
A Patient-Centered Walking Program for COPD.
Background : Pulmonary rehabilitation programs improve dyspnea and health status associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) , but benefits wane when patients return to a sedentary lifestyle . This study tested a simple , low-re source , low-cost home walking program . Methods : In this single center , 3-month study , 115 COPD patients were r and omized to a control cohort or a goal setting cohort .  Each patient met with study staff and received 5 telephone calls at 2-week intervals . During these contacts , the Goal group was assisted by a wellness coach who helped them set personal activity goals . All patients wore a pedometer to record daily steps  , the primary study outcome . Results : Over the 12-week interval , the average step-per-days was 36 % higher for the Goal cohort patients ( Week 12 mean = 4390 ) than for Control patients ( mean = 3790 ) . No group differences emerged on the modified Medical Research Council ( mMRC ) dyspnea scale , the COPD Assessment Test , or the St. George 's Respiratory Question naire . Secondary analyses indicated that even patients with greater disease severity , including those with an mMRC score > 2 or forced expiratory volume in 1 second ( FEV1 ) % predicted below 50 % , increased their walking relative to Control patients . Almost half ( 48 % ) of Goal patients successfully reached at least one personal goal such as increasing stamina and activity , or decreasing shortness of breath or weight . Conclusions : A relatively low-re source wellness coaching , goal - setting intervention result ed in a small improvement in the activity level of COPD patients over a 12-week period including those with marked pulmonary impairment . Further investigation should be directed at underst and ing the optimal blend of in person and remote coaching needed to produce the greatest cost-to-benefit ratio
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 .