The feasibility of recruiting patients with early COPD to a pilot trial assessing the effects of a physical activity intervention.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of recruiting patients with early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the Health Enhancing Activity in Lung THerapy (HEALTH) exercise and education programme.


METHODS
Patients with early COPD were identified from general practices. Those meeting the study inclusion criteria were administered tiotropium throughout the study period. Participants were randomised to either an eight-week health enhancing and physical activity (HEPA) programme, or to a control group (usual care). Behavioural, physiological and psychosocial outcome measures were reported preand post-intervention.


RESULTS
Out of 27 practices approached, 16 (59.3%) agreed to participate. Of 215 potentially eligible patients contacted, 60 (27.9%) replied. Twenty (33.3%) were randomised to either HEPA intervention (n=10) or usual care (n=10). Fourteen patients attended a postintervention assessment.


CONCLUSIONS
This study provides valuable information on the feasibility of conducting such a trial involving a physical activity intervention.
Faulkner
James
J
School of Sport and Health Sciences, University of Exeter, UK.
Walshaw
Emily
E
Campbell
John
J
Jones
Rupert
R
Taylor
Rod
R
Price
David
D
Taylor
Adrian H
AH
D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018579:Patient Selection; D010865:Pilot Projects; D029424:Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome