Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Formative Research
Date Submitted: Jan 13, 2025
Date Accepted: Sep 19, 2025
Warning: This is an author submission that is not peer-reviewed or edited. Preprints - unless they show as "accepted" - should not be relied on to guide clinical practice or health-related behavior and should not be reported in news media as established information.
The development of a home-based cycling exercise for individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A qualitative study
ABSTRACT
Background:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of mortality, and exercise has been shown to reduce both. Health conditions, environmental factors, and logistical challenges are often barriers for participation in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR). Given the barriers many individuals with COPD face when attending healthcare centers for PR, virtual home-based cycling exercise could be an option.
Objective:
This study aimed to explore the development of a home-based cycling exercise intervention for individuals with COPD, focusing on aspects as bicycle selection, app functionality and pilot testing. Furthermore, it aimed to explore participants and non-participants attitudes toward the intervention.
Methods:
Using a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, data were gathered from 15 semi-structured interviews, including test pilots, participants, and non-participants. A thematic analysis was used to analyze the data.
Results:
Thematic analysis identified eight key themes: bicycle selection, individual guidance needs, geographical and video quality, online connectivity, comfort and accessibility of home-based cycling, flexibility, energy levels, and practical limitations. Findings highlighted a preference for pedal bicycles with adjustable intensity, the importance of flexibility in scheduling, and the autonomy provided by a home-based setup. While most participants appreciated the virtual journey on videos, barriers such as lack of energy, stress, and limited space were reported by non-participants.
Conclusions:
Recommendations include enhancing app features and addressing individual needs to improve adherence. The study underscores the potential of tailored home-based exercise interventions in overcoming traditional pulmonary rehabilitation challenges. Clinical Trial: NCT06235502
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