AUTHOR=Han Xiaoyu , Li Peijun , Yang Yahui , Liu Xiaodan , Xia Jun , Wu Weibing 

TITLE=An Exploration of the Application of Step Counter-Based Physical Activity Promotion Programs in Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 9 - 2021

YEAR=2021

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2021.691554

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2021.691554

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=Physical inactivity is prevalent among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Low physical activity (PA) levels worsen pulmonary function, exercise capacity, mortality, and hospital admissions of COPD patients; therefore, quality of life declines. Step counter-based PA promotion programs are proved to be effective ways to improve the PA of patients with COPD. This review summarizes the application of these programs in patients with COPD and discusses their effect on PA, exercise capacity, dyspnea and quality of life. We aim to provide reference to researchers, doctors, caregivers and people who are interested in this field for applying step counter-based PA promotion programs in patients with COPD and ameliorate the adverse effects of physical inactivity. Results show that PA promotion programs can be conducted alone, with instructed exercise or conventional pulmonary rehabilitation. These programs can improve the PA of COPD and may increase exercise capacity and quality of life of patients with COPD. Step counter-based PA promotion programs can be used in patients with COPD to improve PA.