JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) increases exercise capacity, with less clear evidence for Physical Activity (PA).The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends at least 150-300 minutes of moderate intensity or 75-150 of vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week to reduce the risks of chronic disease.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of conventional PR versus web-based PR with respect to changes in PA.

Methods:

Patients with COPD were randomised to either conventional PR classes (n=51) or a web-based PR programme (n=52) for 7 weeks in a feasibility study. Accelerometers (Sensewear®) were worn pre and post intervention, PA was measured as steps/day and mean bouts of moderate activity for ≥2, ≥5, ≥10 and ≥20 mins. Measures were derived for patients with ≥8 hrs of data/day for ≥4 days using R language statistical software. Variables were explored to examine relationships with bouts of activity.

Results:

Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between groups. Complete PA data was available for web (n=20) and conventional (n=34) groups. The web group demonstrated a non-significant increase in steps/24hr which comprised mainly of short bouts of MVPA when compared with conventional PR (P=.2). The conventional group increased 20 min bouts of PA by 49.1% although this was not statistically significant (P=.07). At baseline, age (r =-0.21, P=.043), BMI (r=-0.311, P=.004) and FEV1% predicted (r=-0.248, P=.048) were significantly correlated with 10 min bouts of PA, however post intervention this was not observed.

Conclusions:

The analysis detected a non-statistically significant difference in the pattern of PA between conventional and web-based PR groups, conventional PR being associated with an increase in 20 min bouts whilst the web group demonstrated an increase in steps/24hr. There appears to be a differing response emerging between the two interventions. Clinical Trial: ISRCTN03142263