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Updated: Jun 16, 2026
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Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
Physical inactivity in patients with COPD, a controlled multi-center pilot-study
Thierry Troosters1, Frank Sciurba, Salvatore Battaglia
1Pulmonary Rehabilitation and Respiratory Division, UZ Gasthuisberg, Leuven, Belgium. Thierry.troosters@med.kuleuven.be
Respiratory Medicine
|February 20, 2010
Summary
Physical activity is reduced in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), even in early stages. Moderate-intensity activity decreases before lower-intensity activity, impacting daily life for COPD patients.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Physical activity (PA) is often reduced in severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
- Limited research exists on PA levels in moderate COPD.
- This study investigated daily life PA in COPD patients and controls.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare physical activity levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) against a control group.
- To determine if reductions in physical activity occur early in COPD progression.
- To differentiate the impact on mild versus moderate intensity activities.
Main Methods:
- A multi-center controlled study was conducted.
- Physical activity was measured using a multisensor armband device (SenseWear).
- Key metrics included average daily steps and time spent in mild and moderate physical activity.
Main Results:
- COPD patients spent significantly less time in mild and moderate intensity activities compared to controls.
- Step counts in COPD patients were 87% (GOLD I) down to 29% (GOLD IV) of control values.
- Significant reductions in moderate-intensity activity were observed starting from GOLD stage II.
Conclusions:
- Physical activity is reduced early in COPD progression, beginning at GOLD stage II.
- Reductions in moderate-intensity physical activities appear to precede decreases in lower-intensity activities.
- These findings highlight the importance of monitoring and addressing PA early in COPD management.
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