Enhancing Muscle Function After Exacerbations of COPD to Limit Its Impact on Physical Activity Decline

PA coaching: Patients receive a step counter together with a coaching application (m-PAC, AppsOnly, KU Leuven) installed on a smartphone. The step counter and coaching application are connected via Bluetooth. The coaching application has the goal of PA promotion as well as detecting any new AECOPD.

"Each session will include at least the following components:~* Resistance training of the lower limbs: Exercises for 6 muscle groups using minimal (e.g. ankle weights or elastic resistance bands) or no (body weight) equipment are foreseen. Each exercise will be performed in 3 series of 8 repetitions.~* Functional training: Sit to stand exercise and stair climbing. During the first 2 weeks of the exercise training program, at least 3 strength exercises and 1 functional exercise will be performed each session.~Starting from the 3rd week of the exercise training program, whole body exercise training (interval training for walking, cycling, stair climbing and high knees) will be added. From this moment on, at least 1-2 whole body exercises and 2-3 strength and functional exercises will be performed during each physiotherapy session. By doing this, each session will consist of a minimum of 4 exercises in total."