Lack of understanding of COPD is associated with a higher physical activity level

Abstract

The need for keeping patients with COPD physically active is broadly recognized; however the psychosocial factors related with daily life physical activity (DLPA) in COPD remains poorly known mainly in the developing countries.

Aim: To assess whichpsychosocial factors were associated with DLPA in patients with COPD. Methods: 77 consecutive patients with mild to severe COPD under optimized medical treatment were assessed. DPLA was measured with a triaxial accelerometer(Actigraph, GT3X) during 6 days. Self-efficacy (General self-efficacy scale), social support (Medical outcomes study social support survey), illness perception (Illness perception questionnaire) and health-related quality of life (Chronic respiratory questionnaire) were scored. Pearson's correlation was calculated between DPLA (step counts) and psychosocial factors. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to identify the independent factors associated with DPLA.

Results: Worst understanding of the disease (IPQ-R illness coherence subscale) was associated to higher level of DLPA (p=0.04). Patients with high levels of DLPA (64±8years, %FEV₁=43±15 and 7,757±1,751 steps/day) also presented higher health-related quality of life (CRQemotional function=4.94±0.75 vs. 4.47±0.80, p=<0.01; CRQfatigue=4.24±0.88 vs. 3.77±1.19, p=0.04; CRQtotal= 61.26 ± 9.28 vs. 55.53±10.09, p=<0.01) compared to sedentary patients (69±8years, %FEV₁=40±14 and 2,690± 1,037 steps/day), respectively.

Conclusion: Our data suggest that the lack of knowledge of the disease is associated with higher physical activity level in COPD patients.