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 .
The likelihood of improving physical activity after pulmonary rehabilitation is increased in patients with COPD who have better exercise tolerance
Purpose Pulmonary rehabilitation ( PR ) enhances exercise tolerance in patients with COPD ; however , improvements in physical activity ( PA ) are not guaranteed . This study explored the relationship between baseline exercise tolerance and changes in PA after PR . Material s and methods Patient data from prospect i ve clinical trials in the PR setting s of Athens and Leuven ( 2008–2016 ) were analyzed . Vali date d PA monitors were worn for 1 week before and after a 12-week program . The proportion of patients who improved PA levels ≥1,000 steps/day ( “ PA responders ” ) after PR was compared between those with initial 6-minute walk distance [ 6MWDi ] < 350 m and ≥350 m. Baseline predictors of PA change were evaluated via univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses . Results Two hundred thirty-six patients with COPD ( median [ IQR ] FEV1 44 [ 33–59 ] % predicted , age 65±8 years , 6MWDi 416 [ 332–486 ] m ) were included .  The proportion of “ PA responders ” after PR was significantly greater in those with higher vs lower 6MWDi ( 37.9 % vs 16.4 % , respectively ; P<0.001 ) . 6MWDi group classification was the strongest baseline independent predictor of PA improvement ( univariate OR 3.10 , 95 % CI 1.51–6.36 ) . Conclusion The likelihood of improving PA after PR is increased with greater 6MWDi . Baseline exercise tolerance appears as an important stratification metric for future research in this field
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 .