Abstract
Rationale: Increasing physical activity (PA) is a desired outcome in patients with COPD. We aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 3 month tele-coaching program on the PA level of patients with COPD in a multicenter European trial (NCT02158065).
Methods: In this RCT 344 patients (64% male, FEV1%pred 56(21), age 66(8)y, 6MWD 443(106)m, BMI 26(5) kg.m-2, 4890(2778)steps.day-1, 488(200)VMU.min-1) from 6 centers were allocated to a usual care group (UCG) or an intervention group (IG) receiving a tele-coaching program, including a step counter providing direct feedback, an exercise booklet, a dedicated smartphone application (Linkcare), text messages and occasional telephone contacts with investigators. A daily goal (number of steps) was sent and revised every week. PA was measured using accelerometry during 1 week preceding randomization and during week 12. Mean daily step count and vector magnitude units (VMU) were chosen as outcome.
Results: Both groups were comparable at baseline, for all variables except VMU [UCG vs IG respectively 512(207) vs 465(190)VMU.min-1]. 40% of patients in the intervention group vs 12% of control patients (p<0.001) increased PA with by least 20% from baseline (OR[95%CI] for increase 4.69 [2.46-8.97] in IG vs UCG). Intervention patients had an increase of 1546 [95%CI 1021-2072] steps.day-1 (p<0.001) and an increase of 87 [95%CI 54-121] VMU.min-1 (p<0.001) more than controls. Within group changes (Δ) for IG vs UCG were respectively 934(2482) vs -673(1688) steps.day-1 and 55(148) vs -39(122)VMU.min-1.
Conclusion: Physical activity can be significantly increased in patients with COPD using a step counter and a smartphone based, semi-automated tele-coaching program.
- Copyright ©ERS 2015
