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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2021 Jan;26(1):72-79.
doi: 10.1111/resp.13872. Epub 2020 Jun 15.

Effect of short-course exercise training on the frequency of exacerbations and physical activity in patients with COPD: A randomized controlled trial

Fanny Wai-San Ko  1 , Wilson Tam  2 , Eddy H S Siu  3 , Ka-Pang Chan  1 , Jenny Chun-Li Ngai  1 , So-Shan Ng  1 , Tat On Chan  1 , David Shu-Cheong Hui  1
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Free article
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effect of short-course exercise training on the frequency of exacerbations and physical activity in patients with COPD: A randomized controlled trial

Fanny Wai-San Ko et al. Respirology. 2021 Jan.
Free article

Abstract

Background and objective: Previous studies have suggested that early pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programmes post-AECOPD are an effective and safe intervention for reducing hospital admissions and improving quality of life. This study assessed whether a short course of exercise training post-AECOPD with periodic reinforcement exercise training and phone call reminders reduces readmissions and increases physical activity in COPD patients.

Methods: Subjects were randomized into either the (i) intervention group (IG), consisting of 4-8 weeks of training supervised by a physiotherapist and phone contact every 2 weeks by a case manager providing support and reinforcement of continuous exercise at home or (ii) usual care group (UG), which had no input by a physiotherapist or case manager. Readmissions were assessed at 12 months. Activities of all patients were assessed by an activity monitor at baseline, 3 and 12 months.

Results: Altogether, 136 subjects were included and randomized (68 in IG and 68 in UG). The age, gender and FEV1 % predicted were 75.0 ± 6.7 years, 132 males and 47.0 ± 16.2%, respectively. The mean number of readmissions for AECOPD (1.06 vs 1.72 times, P = 0.014) was less and time to first readmission was increased (146.8 vs 122.4 days, P = 0.005) in the IG versus UG at 12 months. At 12 months, there was no change in activity measured by activity monitor between the two groups.

Conclusion: This programme decreased exacerbation frequency and increased the time of readmissions for AECOPD. It did not improve physical activities and exercise tolerance at 12 months.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02471235.

Keywords: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations; pulmonary rehabilitation; randomised control trial; short course exercise training.

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References

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