Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients admitted with COPD: Associated factors

To establish amongst a cohort of patients admitted with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which factors were associated with their level of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior prior to the admission event.

Prospective observational cohort study. Nine Spanish hospitals participated. Patients were recruited consecutively. Variables relating to the patients' clinical baseline status were recorded, including the COPD Assessment test, the HADS anxiety-depression test, comorbidities and the Yale Physical Activity Survey. Data relating to admission and up to two months after discharge were also recorded.

1638 COPD patients were studied, with a mean age of 72.39 (SD 10.33), 76.56 % male, FEV1 49.41 % (SD19.19), Charlson index 2. The level of PA at baseline was 30.79 points (SD 22.43). Multivariable linear regression analysis identified the following as being associated with low PA: older age, obesity, higher level of hemoglobin, lower score of Barthel index, which means disability, health related quality of life (EuroQoL-5d and CAT) and dyspnea. Variables associated with sedentary behavior were: older age, presence of obstructive apnea syndrome, higher disability, presence of depressive symptoms and dyspnea.

In a cohort of hospitalized COPD patients, we have found several variables, some of them modifiable, associated with physical activity/inactivity and sedentary behavior.