Changes in the endurance shuttle walk test in COPD patients with chronic respiratory failure after pulmonary rehabilitation: the minimal important difference obtained with anchor- and distribution-based method.

Background: Although the endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT) has proven to be responsive to change in exercise capacity after pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) for COPD, the minimally important difference (MID) has not yet been established. We aimed to establish the MID of the ESWT in patients with severe COPD and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure following PR.

Methods: Data were derived from a randomized controlled trial, investigating the value of noninvasive positive pressure ventilation added to PR.

Short- and long-term effects of a physical activity counselling programme in COPD: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: We were interested in the effects of a physical activity (PA) counselling programme in three groups of COPD patients from general practice (primary care), outpatient clinic (secondary care) and pulmonary rehabilitation (PR).

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial 155 COPD patients, 102 males, median (IQR) age 62 (54-69) y, FEV1predicted 60 (40-75) % were assigned to a 12-weeks' physical activity counselling programme or usual care. Physical activity (pedometer (Yamax SW200) and metabolic equivalents), exercise capacity (6-min walking distance) and quality of life (Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire and Clinical COPD Questionnaire) were assessed at baseline, after three and 15 months.

Functional and psychological variables both affect daily physical activity in COPD: a structural equations model.

Background: Daily physical activity (DPA) level is reduced in patients with COPD. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of DPA with functional and psychological variables in these patients.

Methods: 155 COPD patients (102 males, median (IQR) age 62 years (54-69 years), predicted FEV1 60% (40-75%) were included.

A better response in exercise capacity after pulmonary rehabilitation in more severe COPD patients.

Purpose: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) has positive effects on exercise capacity in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). However, not all COPD patients benefit from PR to the same extent. We investigated whether there is a patient profile, which is associated with the improvement in endurance exercise capacity.