Feasibility of a problem-solving exercise program based on short physical performance battery for older patients with chronic respiratory diseases: A multicenter, pilot clinical trial.

Background: This study aimed to assess the feasibility and safety of a problem-solving exercise program based on the items in the short physical performance battery (SPPB) for older patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) to inform future randomized controlled trials.

Methods: This was a multicenter, prospective, non-randomized feasibility study. Participants with CRD received an enhancement program based on the SPPB decline items (balance, walk, and/or chair stand) for 4 weeks. The feasibility, safety, and efficacy of the problem-solving exercise program in improving the SPPB score, physical function, and step count (measured using a pedometer) were assessed.

Results: Overall, 36 patients were enrolled in this study, and adherence to the exercise program was high (100%). No exercise program-related adverse events were observed. The implementation of the exercise program ranged from 70 to 100%. The mean daily step count increased from 2152 ± 1498 steps during the first week to 2899 ± 1865 steps in the last week (p<0.01). Additionally, the SPPB total score increased from 8.9 ± 1.8 points to 10.7 ± 1.3 points at the end of the program (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The problem-solving exercise program based on SPPB is feasible and safe for older patients with CRDs. However, the effectiveness of this exercise program should be validated in large-scale, randomized-controlled trials in the future.

Trial Registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Center (UMIN-CTR) UMIN: approval number: UMIN000048761.