
Researchers at University College Cork in Ireland have found that patients with COPD see both health benefits and improved short-term quality of life from lifestyle behavior change interventions.
In a review led by Ciara Hanrahan, lecturer in physiotherapy and PhD candidate at UCC, behavior change interventions were identified across 12 randomized controlled trials that included more than 1,200 participants. The results were mapped to a theoretical framework that provides a lens through which behavioral determinants can be observed.
Gathering data from eight medical databases, researchers measured outcomes including steps per day, physical activity levels, exercise capacity and quality of life. The behavioral change interventions reported most frequently were counseling, step-count monitoring, social support and goal setting.
The researchers found that using these techniques and including support such as group exercise, feedback from trainers, use of physical activity monitors (such as pedometers, smart watches and apps) may help influence positive physical activity behavior in the short term.
The review, published in the Journal of Respiratory Medicine, also found that greater improvements in physical activity and quality of life outcomes for patients with COPD may be achieved when multiple behavior change interventions are used together.