Cross-sectional assessment of daily physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease lung transplant...

Information about daily physical activity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) lung transplant patients is relevant for evaluation of the functional recovery of physical capacity after lung transplantation. The objective of this study was to cross-sectionally assess daily physical activity, pulmonary function, physical fitness, fear of physical activity and motivation to exercise in COPD patients who were lung transplant candidates and lung transplant recipients.

Fifteen COPD lung transplant candidates (5 men and 10 women, mean age 53 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV(1)] 20% predicted) and 47 recipients (18 men and 29 women, mean age 55 years, FEV(1) 93% predicted, 39 bilateral and 8 unilateral transplants) were enrolled in this observational study. Daily physical activity was measured using a pedometer (Digiwalker SW-200) and the Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH). Physical fitness was measured by the sit-to-stand test and the arm curl test. Fear of physical activity and motivation to exercise were measured by the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-Dutch version Questionnaire and the Exercise Self-Regulation Questionnaire.

Mean (+/-SD) number of steps per day in lung transplant recipients was higher compared with transplant candidates: 6,642 (+/-2,886) and 1,407 (+/-1,166), respectively (p < 0.05). Number of steps per day correlated significantly with FEV(1) (r = 0.32, p = 0.03) and lower body strength (r = 0.45, p = 0.002) in lung transplant recipients. There was no significant difference in daily physical activity, physical fitness, fear and motivation between bi- and unilateral transplant recipients.

Our data suggest that lung transplantation improves daily physical activity, lower body strength and FEV(1).