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 .
Enhancement of daily physical activity increases physical fitness of outclinic COPD patients: results of an exercise counseling program.
OBJECTIVE To investigate whether a 12-week pedometer-based exercise counseling strategy is feasible and effectively enhances daily physical activity in outclinic Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ( COPD ) patients who do not participate in a rehabilitation program in a controlled way . METHODS 35 outclinic COPD patients ( 21 males , mean age 62 years , GOLD I-III , mean FEV(1)% predicted 64.7 ) were r and omized for a 12-week individual pedometer-based exercise counseling program promoting daily physical activities or usual care .  Daily physical activity ( DigiWalker SW-200 ) , physical fitness , health-related quality of life , self-efficacy , fatigue , depression and motivation to be physically active were assessed before and after the intervention . RESULTS After the intervention , COPD patients in the exercise counseling group showed a significant increase in their mean number of steps/day ( from 7087 to 7872 ) , whereas the usual care group showed a decrease ( from 7539 to 6172 ) . Significant differences favoring the exercise counseling group were demonstrated in arm strength , leg strength , health-related quality of life and intrinsic motivation to be physically active . CONCLUSION Our study shows that a 12-week pedometer-based exercise counseling strategy is feasible and effectively enhances daily physical activity , physical fitness , health-related quality of life and intrinsic motivation in outclinic COPD patients who do not participate in a rehabilitation program . PRACTICE IMPLICATION S The feasibility of our exercise counseling strategy is good and patients were motivated to participate
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 .