Physical activity and sedentary behaviour in patients admitted with COPD: Associated factors

Abstract

Aim: To establish amongst a cohort of patients admitted with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease which factors were associated with their level of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior prior to the admission event.

Methods: Prospective observational cohort study. Nine Spanish hospitals participated. Patients were recruited consecutively. Variables relating to the patients' clinical baseline status were recorded, including the COPD Assessment test, the HADS anxiety-depression test, comorbidities and the Yale Physical Activity Survey. Data relating to admission and up to two months after discharge were also recorded.

Results: 1638 COPD patients were studied, with a mean age of 72.39 (SD 10.33), 76.56 % male, FEV1 49.41 % (SD19.19), Charlson index 2. The level of PA at baseline was 30.79 points (SD 22.43). Multivariable linear regression analysis identified the following as being associated with low PA: older age, obesity, higher level of hemoglobin, lower score of Barthel index, which means disability, health related quality of life (EuroQoL-5d and CAT) and dyspnea. Variables associated with sedentary behavior were: older age, presence of obstructive apnea syndrome, higher disability, presence of depressive symptoms and dyspnea.

Conclusions: In a cohort of hospitalized COPD patients, we have found several variables, some of them modifiable, associated with physical activity/inactivity and sedentary behavior.

Keywords: COPD; Hospital admissions; Physical activity; Sedentary behavior.