Feasibility of Conducting Sit-to-Stand Tests Using Video Consultation.

Objective: This study is aimed at ascertaining the feasibility of conducting the 1-minute sit-to-stand (1MSTS) and 30-second sit-to-stand (30SSTS) tests for healthy participants via video consultation. A secondary aim was to compare the relationship between the 1MSTS and 30SSTS.

Methods: A total of 63 participants were recruited via the Singapore Institute of Technology emails and social media in 2020 during the peak of COVID-19.

Protocol for a systematic review of the associations between inflammatory markers and lung function, muscle force and exercise capacity in people with COPD.

Introduction: The prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been on the rise, with acute exacerbation of COPD associated with the highest burden and multiple pulmonary and systemic consequences. People with COPD have been found to have an abnormal response of systemic inflammation. To date, although limited, there are studies that suggest negative associations between inflammatory markers and important clinical outcomes such as exercise capacity and muscle force.

Effects of Ongoing Feedback During a 12-Month Maintenance Walking Program on Daily Physical Activity in People with COPD.

This multi-centred, randomised controlled trial explored the effects of adding ongoing feedback to a 12-month unsupervised maintenance walking program, on daily physical activity (PA) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Participants were randomised to either an intervention group (IG) or a usual care group (UCG). During the maintenance program, the IG received ongoing feedback (telephone calls, biofeedback provided via pedometer and progressive goal setting) and the UCG received no feedback.

Effects of ground-based walking training on daily physical activity in people with COPD: A randomised controlled trial.

This study explored the effects of ground-based walking training on physical activity (PA) and sedentary time (ST) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Participants were randomised to a walk group (WG) [supervised, ground-based walking training, two or three times per week for 8-10 weeks] or a control group (CG) [usual medical care]. Before and after the intervention period, PA and ST were measured using the SenseWear Pro3 Armband.

Perceived barriers to and ideas for weight control interventions in Malay homemakers: results from focus groups.

Objective: To develop a better understanding of perceived barriers to and ideas for weight loss and maintenance among Malay homemakers in Singapore.

Methods: Interventions for weight management were reviewed, and 5 focus groups were conducted among overweight and obese Malay homemakers (n = 24) to explore barriers to and concepts and ideas pertaining to weight loss and maintenance.

Results: Barriers identified included the lack of time, finances, and motivation.

Accuracy and responsiveness of the stepwatch activity monitor and ActivPAL in patients with COPD when walking with and without a rollator.

Purpose: To evaluate the measurement properties of the StepWatch(™) Activity Monitor (SAM) and ActivPAL in COPD.

Method: Whilst wearing both monitors, participants performed walking tasks at two self-selected speeds, with and without a rollator. Steps obtained using the monitors were compared with that measured by direct observation.

Does exercise training change physical activity in people with COPD? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to examine the effect of exercise training on daily physical activity (PA) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from their inception to week 27 of 2010, using the keywords 'COPD,' 'exercise,' 'therapy' and 'physical activity.' All studies except case reports were eligible for inclusion provided they investigated the effects of ≥4 weeks of supervised exercise training on PA in patients with COPD.