O6. Non-pharmacological interventions

O6.1 Physical activity

Many people with COPD are markedly inactive in daily life.(Pitta et al., 2005) Regular physical activity is recommended for all individuals with COPD (Garcia-Aymerich et al., 2006), (Garcia-Aymerich et al., 2009) [evidence level III-2]. In one cohort study of 341 patients hospitalised for the first time with a COPD exacerbation, regular physical activity was related to a higher DLCO, expiratory muscle strength, exercise capacity(6MWD)and VO₂ peak) as well as to lower levels of systemic inflammation, after adjusting for confounders(Garcia-Aymerich et al., 2009) [evidence level III-2]. In a population-based sample of 2,386 individuals with COPD who were followed for a mean of 12 years, those who performed some level of regular physical activity had a significantly lower risk of COPD admissions or mortality than sedentary individuals(Garcia-Aymerich et al., 2006) [evidence level III-2]