Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Measurement of functional activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: the grocery shelving task
Catherine J Hill1, Linda Denehy, Anne E Holland
1Department of Physiotherapy, Austin Hospital, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia. catherine.hill@austin.org.au
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to develop a standardized test to evaluate functional performance, including arm activity, of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Methods:
Fifty-seven patients (mean forced expiratory volume in 1 second % predicted = 46) were recruited to measure reproducibility (n = 10) of a grocery shelving task (GST) over 6 weeks without intervention and responsiveness (n = 47) of the task following a 6-week pulmonary rehabilitation program. In 25 of these patients, the pattern and magnitude of cardiorespiratory responses during the task were compared with the unsupported upper limb exercise test.
Results:
Time taken to perform the GST was highly reproducible over a 6-week period (ICC = 0.97). Patients demonstrated a significant 8.0% improvement (95% CI, 4.6-11.3) on the task following pulmonary rehabilitation. There were significant correlations for peak cardiorespiratory responses between the GST and the unsupported upper limb exercise test.
Conclusions:
The findings suggest that a standardized GST is a reproducible, valid, and responsive functional outcome measure that incorporates unsupported arm activity for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-IV: Assessement and Diagnostic Studies
Medical History
Pulmonary Function Tests
Pulmonary Function Tests are crucial diagnostic tools for assessing respiratory function, particularly in patients with chronic respiratory disorders. They comprehensively evaluate lung volumes, ventilatory function, breathing mechanics, diffusion, and gas exchange. These tests help diagnose pulmonary diseases and play a significant role in monitoring disease progression, evaluating disability, and assessing response to therapy.
PFTs involve using a spirometer, a...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-V: Management
Smoking Cessation
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease II: Emphysema
