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Consumer-based activity trackers are used to measure and improve physical activity. However, the accuracy of these devices as clinical endpoint or coaching tool is unclear. We investigated the use of two activity trackers as measuring and coaching tool in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and healthy age-matched controls. Daily steps were measured by two consumer-based activity trackers (Fitbit Zip, worn at the hip and Fitbit Alta, worn at the wrist) and a validated activity monitor (Dynaport Movemonitor) in 28 patients with COPD and 14 healthy age-matched controls for 14 consecutive days. To investigate the accuracy of the activity trackers as a clinical endpoint, mean step count per patient were compared with the reference activity monitor and agreement was investigated by Bland-Altman plots. To evaluate the accuracy of activity trackers as coaching tool, day-by-day differences within patients were calculated for all three devices. Additionally, consistency of ranking daily steps between the activity trackers and accelerometer was investigated by Kendall correlation coefficient. As a measuring tool, the hip worn activity tracker significantly underestimates daily step count in patients with COPD as compared to DAM (mean±SD [DELTA]-1112±872 steps/day; p<0.0001). This underestimation is less prominent in healthy subjects (p = 0.21). The wrist worn activity tracker showed a non-significant overestimation of step count (p = 0.13) in patients with COPD, and a significant overestimation of daily steps in healthy controls (mean±SD [DELTA]+1907±2147 steps/day; p = 0.006). As a coaching tool, both hip and wrist worn activity tracker were able to pick up the day-by-day variability as measured by Dynaport (consistency of ranking resp. r = 0.80; r = 0.68 in COPD). Although the accuracy of hip worn consumer-based activity trackers in patients with COPD and wrist worn activity trackers in healthy subjects as clinical endpoints is unsatisfactory, these devices are valid to use as a coaching tool.

Changes in physical activity (PA) are difficult to interpret because no framework of minimal important difference (MID) exists. We aimed to determine the minimal important difference (MID) in physical activity (PA) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and to clinically validate this MID by evaluating its impact on time to first COPD-related hospitalization. PA was objectively measured for one week in 74 patients before and after three months of rehabilitation (rehabilitation sample). In addition the intraclass correlation coefficient was measured in 30 patients (test-retest sample), by measuring PA for two consecutive weeks. Daily number of steps was chosen as outcome measurement. Different distribution and anchor based methods were chosen to calculate the MID. Time to first hospitalization due to an exacerbation was compared between patients exceeding the MID and those who did not. Calculation of the MID resulted in 599 (Standard Error of Measurement), 1029 (empirical rule effect size), 1072 (Cohen's effect size) and 1131 (0.5SD) steps.day-1. An anchor based estimation could not be obtained because of the lack of a sufficiently related anchor. The time to the first hospital admission was significantly different between patients exceeding the MID and patients who did not, using the Standard Error of Measurement as cutoff. The MID after pulmonary rehabilitation lies between 600 and 1100 steps.day-1. The clinical importance of this change is supported by a reduced risk for hospital admission in those patients with more than 600 steps improvement.

Background Few data are available on the long-term effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and on long PR programs in interstitial lung diseases (ILD). We aimed to evaluate the effects of PR on exercise capacity (6-Minute Walking Distance, 6MWD; Peak Work Rate, W max ), quality of life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), quadriceps force (QF) and objectively measured physical activity in ILD after the 6-month PR-program and after 1 year. Methods 60 patients (64 ± 11 years; 62% males; 23% with IPF) were randomly assigned to receive a 6 month-PR program or usual medical care. Results Exercise capacity, quality of life and muscle force increased significantly after the program as compared to control (mean,95%CI[ll to ul]; 6MWD + 72,[36 to 108] m; W max 19, [8 to 29]%pred; SGRQ − 12,[− 19 to − 6] points; QF 10, [1 to 18] %pred). The gain was sustained after 1 year (6MWD 73,[28 to 118] m; Wmax 23, [10 to 35]%pred; SGRQ − 11,[− 18 to − 4] points; QF 9.5, [1 to 18] %pred). Physical activity did not change. Conclusions PR improves exercise tolerance, health status and muscle force in ILD. The benefits are maintained at 1-year follow-up. The intervention did not change physical activity. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00882817 .

IntroductionMost lung transplant (LTX) recipients do not meet physical activity (PA) guidelines. Interventions are needed as long-term inactivity is related to morbidity and mortality. We investigated the effect of a telecoaching programme on objectively measured PA in LTX recipients.MethodsInactive patients (<7500 steps/day, n=90) were randomised into a light or intensive version of a 1-year PA telecoaching programme. The light intervention consisted of a step counter and a minimal version of the smartphone application. Patients randomised to the intensive intervention discussed PA barriers and goals, received a step counter, a patient-tailored smartphone application and supportive coaching calls. PA (primary outcome, assessed by an accelerometer), physical function, quality of life and symptoms were measured at baseline, after 3 months (primary endpoint) and 1 year. Mixed model analyses were used to investigate the effectiveness of the intervention compared with the light intervention.ResultsBetween-group difference in change after 3 months and 1 year was observed as mean (CI) 750 (−96 to 1596) (p=0.08) and 680 (−244 to 1605) steps per day (p=0.15), 10 (−0.5 to 20) and 10 (−1 to 22) min of total moving time (walking, taking stairs and cycling) (both p=0.07) and −3 (−6 to 0) (p=0.07) and −6 (−10 to −2) (p=0.002) of sedentary time, all in favour of the intervention group. Other outcomes did not differ between groups.ConclusionPA tends to improve in LTX recipients by following an intensive telecoaching programme compared with a light programme.Trial registration numberNCT04122768.

Maintaining physical activity is an important clinical goal for people with Parkinson’s disease (PwPD). We investigated the validity of two commercial activity trackers (ATs) to measure daily step counts. We compared a wrist- and a hip-worn commercial AT against the research-grade Dynaport Movemonitor (DAM) during 14 days of daily use. Criterion validity was assessed in 28 PwPD and 30 healthy controls (HCs) by a 2 × 3 ANOVA and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2,1). The ability to measure daily step fluctuations compared to the DAM was studied by a 2 × 3 ANOVA and Kendall correlations. We also explored compliance and user-friendliness. Both the ATs and the DAM measured significantly fewer steps/day in PwPD compared to HCs (p < 0.01). Step counts derived from the ATs showed good to excellent agreement with the DAM in both groups (ICC2,1 > 0.83). Daily fluctuations were detected adequately by the ATs, showing moderate associations with DAM-rankings. While compliance was high overall, 22% of PwPD were disinclined to use the ATs after the study. Overall, we conclude that the ATs had sufficient agreement with the DAM for the purpose of promoting physical activity in mildly affected PwPD. However, further validation is needed before clinical use can be widely recommended.

Physical activity (PA) is reduced in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Evidence about the PA pattern of patients with ILD is scarce. If PA of patients with ILD would be comparable to COPD, it is tempting to speculate that existing interventions focusing on enhancing PA could be as effective in ILD as already shown in COPD. Therefore, we aimed to compare PA and the correlates with PA in matched patients with ILD, COPD, and healthy subjects. Patients with ILD (n = 45), COPD (n = 45) and healthy subjects (n = 30) were propensity matched. PA level, pattern, and PA correlations with lung function and physical performance (6-minute walking distance and quadriceps force) were compared between groups. Daily number of steps was similar in both patient groups (mean±SE: 5631±459 for ILD, 5544±547 for COPD, p = 0.900), but significantly lower compared to healthy subjects (10031±536, p<0.001 for both). Mean intensity of PA tended to be lower in the ILD group (mean±SE metabolic equivalents of task per day: 1.41±0.04) compared to COPD (1.52±0.05, p = 0.074) and healthy individuals (1.67±0.04, p<0.001). The pattern of PA over one day was found to be similar between the three groups. Lastly, the correlation between PA and 6-minute walking distance was significantly weaker in patients with ILD compared to patients with COPD (respectively r = 0.348 and r = 0.739; p<0.05 for both). For a given functional reserve, patients with ILD perform an equal amount of steps but perform PA at lower intensity compared to patients with COPD. Both groups are less active compared to healthy control subjects. Functional exercise capacity was shown to be only moderately related to PA. This can potentially influence the effectiveness of PA interventions that can be expected.

Background Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs improve physical fitness, symptoms and quality of life (QoL) of patients with COPD. However, improved physical activity (PA) is not guaranteed after PR and the clinical benefits fade off after PR discharge. We aimed to investigate whether a 9 months PA-telecoaching program is able to improve PA of patients with COPD, after 3 months of PR and if this leads to maintenance of PR-acquired benefits. Methods Patients with COPD enrolled in a 6-month PR program were randomized to a (semi-automated) PA-telecoaching program or usual care, 3 months after PR initiation. The intervention consisted of a smartphone application with individual targets and feedback (for 6 months) and self-monitoring with a step counter (for 9 months). Patients were followed up for 9 months after randomization. Primary outcome was PA (daily step count by accelerometery), secondary outcomes were exercise tolerance, quadriceps force, dyspnea and QoL. Results Seventy-three patients were included (mean ± SD: 65 ± 7 years, FEV 1 49 ± 19%, 6MWD 506 ± 75 m, PA 5225 ± 2646 steps/day). The intervention group presented a significant improvement in steps/day at every visit compared to usual care (between-group differences mean ± SE: 1431 ± 555 steps/day at 9 months after randomization, p = 0.01). Secondary outcomes did not differ between the groups. Conclusion The semi-automated PA-telecoaching program implemented after 3 months of PR was effective to improve the amount of PA (steps/day) during PR and after follow-up. However, this was not accompanied by the maintenance of other PR-acquired benefits. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov. Identifier: NCT02702791. Retrospectively registered on March 9, 2016. Start study October 2015. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02702791?term=NCT02702791&draw=2&rank=1 .

BackgroundThe Daily-PROactive and Clinical visit-PROactive Physical Activity (D-PPAC and C-PPAC) instruments in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combines questionnaire with activity monitor data to measure patients’ experience of physical activity. Their amount, difficulty and total scores range from 0 (worst) to 100 (best) but require further psychometric evaluation.ObjectiveTo test reliability, validity and responsiveness, and to define minimal important difference (MID), of the D-PPAC and C-PPAC instruments, in a large population of patients with stable COPD from diverse severities, settings and countries.MethodsWe used data from seven randomised controlled trials to evaluate D-PPAC and C-PPAC internal consistency and construct validity by sex, age groups, COPD severity, country and language as well as responsiveness to interventions, ability to detect change and MID.ResultsWe included 1324 patients (mean (SD) age 66 (8) years, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 55 (17)% predicted). Scores covered almost the full range from 0 to 100, showed strong internal consistency after stratification and correlated as a priori hypothesised with dyspnoea, health-related quality of life and exercise capacity. Difficulty scores improved after pharmacological treatment and pulmonary rehabilitation, while amount scores improved after behavioural physical activity interventions. All scores were responsive to changes in self-reported physical activity experience (both worsening and improvement) and to the occurrence of COPD exacerbations during follow-up. The MID was estimated to 6 for amount and difficulty scores and 4 for total score.ConclusionsThe D-PPAC and C-PPAC instruments are reliable and valid across diverse COPD populations and responsive to pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions and changes in clinically relevant variables.

This study investigated the accuracy of activity trackers in chronic lower limb lymphoedema (LLL) patients and in comparison to matched controls. Seventeen LLL patients and 35 healthy subjects wore an activity tracker at the hip (Fitbit Zip/Inspire; hip-AT) and one at the wrist (Fitbit Alta/Inspire; wrist-AT) combined with a reference activity monitor (Dynaport Movemonitor; DAM), for 14 consecutive days. To analyze accuracy and agreement, mean daily step count from both AT's were compared to DAM. To evaluate the accuracy as coaching tool, day-by-day differences were calculated. The Kendall correlation coefficient was used to test consistency of ranking daily steps between the AT's and the DAM. The wrist-AT significantly overestimated daily step count compared to DAM in the LLL group (+1221 ± 1754 steps per day, p = 0.011) while the hip-AT underestimated the step count, although not significantly. Similar results were found in the healthy control group. As a coaching tool, both wrist-AT and hip-AT showed a moderate correlation with the DAM (r = 0.507 and 0.622, respectively) in the LLL group regarding consistency of ranking from most to least active days. Wrist-AT's significantly overestimate daily step count in a LLL population. As a coaching tool, both trackers show moderate validity, indicating applicability to improve physical activity.

Introduction Physical activity (PA) is reduced in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Evidence about the PA pattern of patients with ILD is scarce. If PA of patients with ILD would be comparable to COPD, it is tempting to speculate that existing interventions focusing on enhancing PA could be as effective in ILD as already shown in COPD. Therefore, we aimed to compare PA and the correlates with PA in matched patients with ILD, COPD, and healthy subjects. Materials and methods Patients with ILD (n = 45), COPD (n = 45) and healthy subjects (n = 30) were propensity matched. PA level, pattern, and PA correlations with lung function and physical performance (6-minute walking distance and quadriceps force) were compared between groups. Results Daily number of steps was similar in both patient groups (mean±SE: 5631±459 for ILD, 5544±547 for COPD, p = 0.900), but significantly lower compared to healthy subjects (10031±536, p<0.001 for both). Mean intensity of PA tended to be lower in the ILD group (mean±SE metabolic equivalents of task per day: 1.41±0.04) compared to COPD (1.52±0.05, p = 0.074) and healthy individuals (1.67±0.04, p<0.001). The pattern of PA over one day was found to be similar between the three groups. Lastly, the correlation between PA and 6-minute walking distance was significantly weaker in patients with ILD compared to patients with COPD (respectively r = 0.348 and r = 0.739; p<0.05 for both). Conclusions For a given functional reserve, patients with ILD perform an equal amount of steps but perform PA at lower intensity compared to patients with COPD. Both groups are less active compared to healthy control subjects. Functional exercise capacity was shown to be only moderately related to PA. This can potentially influence the effectiveness of PA interventions that can be expected.