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Dryad

Effects of individualized step targets on physical activity in COPD. A randomized study

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Jan 24, 2025 version files 34.55 KB

Abstract

Background: Improving physical activity (PA) is important for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Goal setting could be one possible measure; however, its effect could not be maintained for more than 6 months.

Objectives: We evaluated the effects of providing an individualized target of step count, which could reflect the disease condition of each patient, on PA after 6 months in patients with COPD.

Methods: We performed a randomized parallel group, open-label study (INTAR-Step study) between the target provision group (Interv) and the usual care group (Cont) and investigated differences in the proportion of subjects who achieved the target and differences in changes in PA parameters and myokines.

Results: A total of 73 patients were analyzed (Interv, n=38; Cont, n=35). The proportion of subjects in the Interv group who achieved their target did not show a significant increase relative to the Cont group (p=0.157). The percentage of the actual step count value to the target value, changes in the step count and the duration of activity at ≥3.0 METs exhibited significant increases in the Interv group. The changes in the GDF-15, FABP-3, and Irisin were also increased in the Interv group. Furthermore, GDF-15 was significantly higher in patients with increased step counts than in those with decreased step counts.

Conclusion: Providing individualized target step count values did not increase the proportion of subjects who achieved their target values, but it increased their step counts after 6 months. GDF-15 may be involved in the increase in the step count.