Effect of short‐course exercise training on the frequency of exacerbations and physical activity in patients with COPD: A randomized controlled trial. Issue 1 (15th June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ko, Fanny Wai‐San; Tam, Wilson; Siu, Eddy H.S.; Chan, Ka‐Pang; Ngai, Jenny Chun‐Li; Ng, So‐Shan; Chan, Tat On; Hui, David Shu‐Cheong
• Is Part Of: Respirology. Volume 26:Issue 1(2021)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 79
• Publication Date: 2020-06-15
• Subjects: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations -- pulmonary rehabilitation -- randomised control trial -- short course exercise training; Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiratory organs -- Periodicals; 612.2
• DOI: 10.1111/resp.13872
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1323-7799

Abstract

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. Abstract : Optimal duration for exercise training post‐AECOPD is unknown. A less intensive programme of 4–8 weeks of physical training followed by phone contact of the subjects every 2 weeks for 1 year decreased hospital readmissions and increased the time for readmissions. See related Editorial