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 .
Pedometer Step Count Targets during Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. A Randomized Controlled Trial
Rationale : Increasing physical activity is a key therapeutic aim in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( COPD ) .  Pulmonary rehabilitation ( PR ) improves exercise capacity , but there is conflicting evidence regarding its ability to improve physical activity levels . Objectives : To determine whether using pedometers as an adjunct to PR can enhance time spent in at least moderate‐intensity physical activity ( time expending ≥3 metabolic equivalents [ METs ] ) by people with COPD . Methods : In this single‐blind r and omized controlled trial , participants were assigned 1:1 to receive a control intervention ( PR comprising 8 wk , two supervised sessions per week ) or the trial intervention ( PR plus pedometer‐directed step targets , review ed weekly for 8 wk ) . In the r and omization process , we used minimization to balance groups for age , sex , FEV1 percent predicted , and baseline exercise capacity and physical activity levels . Outcome assessors and PR therapists were blinded to group allocation . The primary analysis was based on the intention‐to‐treat principle . Measurements and Main Results : The primary outcome was change from baseline to 8 weeks in accelerometer‐measured daily time expending at least 3 METs . A total of 152 participants ( 72 % male ; mean [ SD ] FEV1 percent predicted , 50.5 % [ 21.2 ] ; median [ first quartile , third quartile ] time expending ≥3 METs , 46 [ 21 , 92 ] min ) were enrolled and assigned to the intervention ( n = 76 ) or control ( n = 76 ) arm . There was no significant difference in change in time expending at least 3 METs between the intervention and control groups at 8 weeks ( median [ first quartile , third quartile ] difference , 0.5 [ −1.0 , 31.0 ] min ; P = 0.87 ) or at the 6‐month follow‐up ( 7.0 [ −9 , 27 ] min ; P = 0.16 ) . Conclusions : Pedometer‐directed step‐count targets during an outpatient PR program did not enhance moderate‐intensity physical activity levels in people with COPD . Clinical trial registered with www . clinical trials.gov ( NCT01719822 )
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 .