Physical Activity Augmentation Using Pedometers During Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Physical Activity Augmentation Using Pedometers During Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Patients with chronic lung diseases such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), who perform regular physical activity, have improved health and wellbeing compared with those who do little exercise. The purpose of the study is to evaluate whether the use of a simple pedometer (step counter) to set targets for daily physical activity can encourage COPD patients referred for an 8-week pulmonary exercise based programme (PR) to be more active. The investigators also want to know whether the use of pedometers during PR can improve adherence, self-management and outcome in COPD.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients with COPD

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any patient in whom mobility and lower limb function have been significantly affected by a neuromuscular disease, severe peripheral vascular disease or amputation
• Any patient whom the chief investigator feels it is unsafe to exercise (eg. unstable cardiac disease)