Abstract des Posters

A.J.R. van Gestel^a,b, C. F. Clarenbacha, A.C. Stöwhas^a, V.A.a, N.A. Sievi^a, G. Camen^a, E.W. Russi^a,c, M. Kohler^a,c

a) Pulmonary Division, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

b) Department of Health, Zurich University of Applied Sciences, Winterthur, Switzerland

c) Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with reduced physical fitness and daily physical activity (PA). Objectively measuring PA using an accelerometer is a relatively expensive and time-consuming undertaking. In routine clinical practice there is a need to estimate PA with less expensive, less time-consuming and more practical
methods.

Objectives: To evaluate whether PA can be estimated by simple tests commonly used in clinical practice in patients with COPD.

Methods: The average number of steps per day was measured by a SenseWear Pro™ accelerometer® and used as a gold standard for PA. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate the association between PA and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD), the number of stands in the Sit-to-Stand Test (STST), hand-grip strength and the total energy expenditure as assessed by the Zutphen Physical Activity Questionnaire (TEEZPAQ).

Results: In 70 patients (21 females) PA was found to be significantly and independently associated with the 6MWD, STST and TEEZPAQ but not with hand-grip strength. 

Conclusions: In patients with COPD it is feasible to estimate physical activity with simple tests such as the 6-Minute Walk Test, Sit-to-Stand Test and the Zutphen Physical Activity Questionnaire. 

Kontakt: Dr. rer. medic. A. J. R. van Gestel