Objective moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in 1064 patients with COPD after stratification for gender, FEV₁ and BMI

Abstract

Background: Physical inactivity in COPD is associated with poor outcomes. Therefore, it is important to understand the determinants of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in COPD. We aimed to assess the mean level of MVPA after stratification for gender, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV₁) and body-mass index (BMI).

Methods: In 1064 COPD subjects (716 men; age: 67±8 years; BMI: 27±6 kg• m^-2; FEV₁: 50±21 % predicted) from 14 centers, MVPA time was assessed using the SenseWear Armband activity monitor for ≥4 days. Gender, FEV₁ and BMI were used for stratification.

Results: In total, 6300 days with MVPA data were obtained, with a median (IQR) MVPA time of 27 (11-59) min• day^-1. 47% of the subjects had a MVPA time ≥30 min• day^-1. Men had a higher MVPA time than women (29 (12-63) versus 24 (9-52) min• day^-1, respectively; p=0.002). Figure 1 presents the mean time in MVPA after stratification for GOLD classes and BMI in men (A) and women (B).

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Conclusions: This multicenter study showed that MVPA time generally is BMI-dependent (higher BMI results in lower MVPA) and GOLD-dependent (higher GOLD results in lower MVPA) in men and women with COPD.