Is the motivational regulation for exercise associated with disease severity and current exercise capacity after exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (ECOPD)? Preliminary results

<bold>Background:</bold> Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is crucial for COPD patients post-exacerbation (ECOPD). Motivation is a critical factor in supporting exercise practice, however, the relationship between disease severity and exercise capacity in this population remains unexplored. <bold>Aim:</bold> Investigate associations between exercise motivation, disease severity and exercise capacity in ECOPD patients. <bold>Methods:</bold> Cross-sectional study, approved by Ethical Committee of UFSCar. ECOPD patients were assessed by: six-minute walk test (6MWD), Behavioral Regulation in Exercise-Questionnaire 2 (BREQ-2), COPD Self-Efficacy Scale, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Duke Activity Status Index (DASI). A 317m cut-off in the 6MWT (mortality predictor) divided groups: ≥317m (G≥6mwd) and <317m (G<6mwd). <bold>Results:</bold> 22 patients were included (12 women, 64±7.9 years old), self-determination index was 8.3±5.2 and identified regulation was highest motivational regulation scored (2.7±3). 6MWD was negatively associated with identified regulation motivation (r=-0.47; p=0.02). FEV1 (%) positively associated with intrinsic regulation motivation (r=0.48; p=0.03). G≥6mwd had greater confidence in managing dyspnea during physically activities (15.1±4.8 vs 9.7±4.7, p=0.02), higher DASI (35.8±7.2 vs 24.1±11.9, p=0.01), fewer depressive/anxiety (4±4.0 vs 8.3±4.8, p=0.02; 6.5±6.1 vs 13.1±4.9, p=0.05) compared to G<6mwd. <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Less autonomous exercise motivations correlate with poorer functional capacity, while recognizing more autonomous reasons relates to better lung function, guiding strategies to improve PR adherence.