Pedometer-based Behavioural Intervention for Individuals With COPD to Stay Active After Rehabilitation

"The central components of the 2 x 45 minutes lasting pedometer-based physical activity behaviour change intervention BCI are the following behaviour change techniques (BCTs):~* Instruction on how, where and when to perform the behaviour~* Prompt goal setting for physical activity~* Prompt self-monitoring of behaviour~* Feedback on behaviour. Participants receive a pedometer and a booklet with a physical activity diary and associated information on the importance of goal setting and keeping a physical activity diary, exercise recommendations, possibilities to stay active after rehabilitation and appropriate physical activities."

"The central components of the 2 x 45 minutes lasting intervention are revisions of knowledge of the pulmonary rehabilitation (standard care) in combination with related exercises:~* Revision of knowledge on exercise recommendations~* Revision of knowledge on possibilities of self-regulation of endurance training exercise intensity with the rate of perceived exertion (BORG-Scale)~* Revision of self-regulation of endurance exercise intensity~* Revision of strengthening activities consistent with the exercise recommendations.~Participants receive a booklet with information on the rate of perceived exertion, exercise recommendations, possibilities to stay active after rehabilitation and appropriate physical activities."

Standard care is an in-patient pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in a specialized German Rehabilitation Clinic. PR is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary intervention based on a patient assessment followed by a combination of patient-tailored therapies. PR lasts on average 25 days. PR includes the following obligatory main components: Checking and, if required, adjusting the current COPD medication according to current COPD-guidelines; physical training (4-5 units/week endurance training \[45 min\] and 3 units/week of strength training \[45 min\] per week, 7 units/week whole body vibration muscle training/week); structured COPD-patient education (6 hours patient education COPD + 1 hour device training); respiratory physiotherapy in groups \[2-4 units/week with 45 min\]. PR is implemented by an interdisciplinary rehabilitation team.