Late Breaking Abstract - Automated coaching for physical activity in COPD patients: results from a pilot study

Physical activity (PA) is important for COPD patients, however it is difficult to increase and maintain. An automated coaching program, based on self-regulation and objective PA data, has been recently developed (Van Genugten L. et al, 2016). The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate if this web-based intervention can increase PA in COPD patients. In this RCT 21 patients were recruited and wore an activity monitor (DirectLife, Philips) throughout the study. PA was assessed as the number of minutes per day spent in moderate intensity, termed as ActivePoints (AP). After a 2-week baseline period, patients were randomized to the intervention (IG) or control (CG) group for 2 months. IG received automated coaching, based on PA, with weekly goals, daily feedback and coaching messages. CG was blinded to their PA and not exposed to any intervention. Ten IG (age 69.8±8.1y; FEV1%pred 44.3±14.3) and 8 CG (age 67.7±4.5y; FEV1%pred 42.5±11.5) patients completed the study. Baseline PA was comparable in the two groups (CG: 264.1±204.9 AP; IG: 241.0±126.6 AP, p=0.77). IG visited the coaching website 87.3±14.5% of days. Between start and end of the study, the % difference in PA was higher in IG patients than CG (19.6±28.7% and -12.2±21.9 respectively; p=0.014. Figure 1). This pilot study suggests that this coaching system is effective in increasing PA at home in patients with COPD. Further data are required to reinforce these promising results.