Table 4.

Overview of main themes and sub-themes connected to the open question

Main themes (number of occurrences)	Sub-themes (number of occurrences)
Physical health (22)	Light physical activity triggers physical complaints (6)
	Stamina (4)
	Fluctuating character of COPD (4)
	Restriction in general physical activity (3)
	Invalidity (2)
	Restriction in physical functioning due to physical symptoms (1)
	Heavy physical activity causes physical complaints (1)
	Mobility (1)
Coping with COPD-related complaints/restrictions (9)	Avoiding activities (3)
	Balance between rest and activity (3)
	Performing physical activities in order to avoid sitting at home (1)
	Adapting activities (1)
	Professional help for anxiety (1)
Hobby/Leisure time (3)	Going out (1)
	Holidays (1)
	Sport (1)
Autonomy (2)	Asking for help (1)
	Independence (1)
Anxiety (2)	Fear of being alone (1)
	Fear of suffocating (1)
Social life (2)	Homebound (1)
	Offering help to others (1)
Additional factors affecting symptoms (1)	Weather conditions (1)
Fatigue (1)	Tired (1)
Anger (1)	Frustration (1)
Work (1)	Losing one’s job (1)

Examples of light physical activity are walking up and down the stairs. Examples of heavy physical activity are heavy lifting and running. General physical activity when the respondent did not give details.