Level of daily physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients according to GOLD classification

Med Clin (Barc). 2017 Feb 9;148(3):114-117. doi: 10.1016/j.medcli.2016.10.036. Epub 2016 Dec 16.
[Article in English, Spanish]

Abstract

Introduction and objective: The Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD guideline) for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease does not adequately reflect the impact of the disease because does not take into account daily physical activity (DPA).

Patients and methods: Forty eight patients (12 in each GOLD group) were prospectively recruited. DPA was evaluated by accelerometer. Patients were classified into 3 levels of activity (very inactive, sedentary, active).

Results: No significant differences in levels of physical activity among GOLD groups (P=.361) were observed. The percentages of very inactive patients were 33% in group A, 42% in group B, 42% in group C and 59% in group D. In addition, high percentage of sedentary patients were observed through 4 groups, in group A (50%), B and C (42%, each), and group D (41%).

Discussion: COPD patients has very low levels of physical activity at all stages of GOLD classification even those defined as low impact (such as GOLD A). Is necessary to detect patients at risk who might benefit from specific interventions.

Keywords: Actividad física diaria; COPD; Clasificación; Classification; Daily physical activity; EPOC.

Publication types

  • Observational Study

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Aged
  • Exercise* / physiology
  • Exercise* / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prospective Studies
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / classification*
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / diagnosis
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / physiopathology
  • Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / psychology
  • Sedentary Behavior*