Feasibility and acceptability of active for life with COPD, an intervention to increase light physical activity in people with COPD

Abstract

Background: People with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are very sedentary; increasing light physical activity (LPA) may help to promote long-term maintenance of physical activity.

Objectives: We evaluated feasibility and acceptability of Active for Life with COPD, a self-efficacy-enhancing intervention designed to increase LPA.

Methods: The 10-week intervention included walking, functional circuit training, and behavioral and educational strategies. Measures included attrition, adherence, objectively measured physical activity, and qualitative interviews.

Results: Thirty-six subjects enrolled in the study; 26 completed the intervention and 19 completed the two-month follow-up. Subjects reported the intervention was enjoyable and beneficial, but disliked the activity log and buddy system. Subjects increased mean time spent standing/stepping by 36 (SD = 82) min/24 h (P > 0.05); they retained a gain of 21 (SD = 88) min/24 h at the two-month follow-up (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: The Active for Life with COPD intervention is feasible, acceptable, and may support long term maintenance of physical activity.

Keywords: COPD; Light physical activity; Sedentary behavior; Self-efficacy.