Effects of Individualized Physical Activity Counseling Added to Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Exercise Motivation in Individuals With COPD: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL.

Abstract

Purpose: Individual counseling during pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has the potential to modify physical activity levels and motivation for exercise in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This study analyzes the effect of an individual counseling session, added to a PR program, on physical activity, sedentary behavior, and motivation for exercise in patients with COPD.

Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Hospital Distrital da Figueira da Foz PR center. Twenty patients with COPD were randomly allocated to an intervention group (IG) or a control group (CG). The IG received an individual physical activity counseling session during PR for 3 months. The CG received the PR. The number of steps and light, moderate, vigorous, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was studied as well as sedentary behavior, using the Actigraph wGT3X-BT accelerometer. Motivation for exercise was assessed with the Behavioral Regulations in Exercise Questionnaire. Data were collected at baseline and after 3 months. Data collectors and analysts were blinded.

Results: No significant differences were found between groups at baseline. After 3 months, the IG increased the number of steps (P = .001), light (P = .033) and moderate (P =.001) physical activity, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (P = .001) compared with CG. Sedentary behavior decreased in IG (P = .009) compared with CG. Motivation for exercise was significantly higher in IG (P = .012).

Conclusions: The individual counseling session, when added to PR, may improve physical activity, reduce sedentary behavior, and increase motivation to exercise in COPD.