Enhancement of daily physical activity increases physical fitness of outclinic COPD patients: Results of an exercise counseling program

Gieneke

Hospes

, Linda Bossenbroek, Nick H.T. ten Hacken, Peter van Hengel and Mathieu H.G. de Greef

The objective of this study was 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.  35 outclinic COPD patients were randomized 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.  After the intervention, COPD patients in the exercise counseling group showed a significant increase in their mean number of steps/day whereas the usual care group showed a decrease. 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.

This 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.

Patient Education and Counseling, 2009, 75(2), 74-278

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