Physical capacity and inactivity in obstructive airway diseases: a "can do, do do" analysis

Area of Science:

• Pulmonary Medicine
• Exercise Physiology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Physical capacity significantly influences physical activity levels in individuals with obstructive airway diseases (OAD).
• The "can do, do do" framework, assessing physical capacity and activity, offers insights into movement behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To extend the "can do, do do" concept to OAD populations.
• To determine if distinct quadrants based on physical capacity and activity correlate with clinical and movement behavior differences in OAD.

Main Methods:

• 281 participants (bronchiectasis, severe asthma, COPD, controls) were assessed.
• Physical capacity defined by 6-min walk distance (≥70% predicted vs. <70%).
• Physical activity defined by accelerometer-measured moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (≥150 min/week vs. <150 min/week).

Main Results:

• Controls showed a higher "can do, do do" proportion (76%) than OAD groups (10-33%).
• OAD individuals in the "can't do, don't do" quadrant exhibited poorer clinical status (airflow limitation, comorbidities, QoL, dyspnea).
• The "can't do, don't do" group spent less time in light physical activity (LPA) and more time sedentary.

Conclusions:

• Reduced physical capacity is a primary driver of inactivity in OAD, exacerbated by disease severity.
• Interventions should consider improving LPA and reducing sedentary time across all OAD patient quadrants.
• Further research is needed to evaluate tailored interventions based on quadrant allocation for OAD management.