Physical inactivity and risk of hospitalisation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The association between physical activity and risk of hospitalisation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not yet clear. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to fill this gap in knowledge. Eight electronic databases were searched using a selection of controlled vocabulary and keywords. The search resulted in more than 1000 initial hits, of which four met the inclusion criteria. For each identified study, relevant data were extracted and appraised. The results indicate that less physically active patients with COPD were more likely to be admitted to hospital. Consistent with a lower level of physical activity, the patients tended to have shorter walking times as well as spend fewer hours outdoors. In multivariate regression analysis, self-reported physical activity predicted hospitalisation in patients from the general population and re-hospitalisation in patients admitted for an acute exacerbation. The evidence for an association between physical activity and risk of hospitalisation for COPD is limited to a few prospective cohort studies. More research is needed to quantify the degree of physical activity associated with reduced risk of hospitalisation.