Shakila Devi Perumal
St. Michaels Hospital
Ireland
Title: A Simple Tool to Promote Physical Activity in Patients with COPD
Biography
Biography: Shakila Devi Perumal
Abstract
Physical inactivity is a prominent feature in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) compared to age matched healthy subjects or with any other people with chronic disease. Physical inactivity predicts poor outcomes in COPD and hastens the disease progression. Pulmonary rehabilitation has been endorsed as an effective non-pharmacological therapy to enhance exercise capacity and quality of life in patients with COPD, yet its effects on promotion of physical activity is unknown. Furthermore, the recent international guidelines on pulmonary rehabilitation emphasize on “long-term health enhancing behavior change” and increase in physical activity is considered to enhance positive health benefits in COPD. However, physical activity is perceived as a complex behavior difficult to reverse. We have explored the effects of ground walking prescription to promote physical activity in patients with COPD and observed significant improvements in physical activity and other outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation.