Abstract
Aim:
To determine the feasibility of recruiting patients with early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the Health Enhancing Activity in Lung THerapy (HEALTH) exercise and education programme.
Methods:
Patients with early COPD were identified from general practices. Those meeting the study inclusion criteria were administered tiotropium throughout the study period. Participants were randomised to either an eight-week health enhancing and physical activity (HEPA) programme, or to a control group (usual care). Behavioural, physiological and psychosocial outcome measures were reported pre-and post-intervention.
Results:
Out of 27 practices approached, 16 (59.3%) agreed to participate. Of 215 potentially eligible patients contacted, 60 (27.9%) replied. Twenty (33.3%) were randomised to either HEPA intervention (n=10) or usual care (n=10). Fourteen patients attended a post-intervention assessment.
Conclusion:
This study provides valuable information on the feasibility of conducting such a trial involving a physical activity intervention.
Keywords: exercise, quality of life, physical self-perceptions, COPD, activity, outcomes, pilot study
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Footnotes
In the last 3 years RJ has received speakers fees from Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, TEVA, Altana, Astra Zeneca, MSD, Tejin and Trinity Chiesi. RJ has sat on advisory boards related to COPD for Boehringer Ingelheim, Pfizer, GlaxoSmithKline, TEVA, Novartis, and Nutricia in the last 3 years and acted as a consultant to Pfizer and Boehringer Ingelheim. No other author has any conflict of interest.