The association between the one-minute sit-to-stand test and physical activity in patients with COPD following pulmonary rehabilitation

<bold>Introduction:</bold> The association between physical activity (PA) and functional capacity and their change following pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is under investigation. <bold>Aim:</bold> To investigate the relation between the one-minute sit-to-stand test (1’STST), a simple measure of functional capacity, and objective PA at baseline and their changes following a 3-month PR program. <bold>Methods:</bold> Patients underwent two consecutive 1’STST before and after PR, retrieving the best test. PA was assessed for seven days using accelerometry. Changes following PR were analysed using a paired t-test. Pearson correlation was used to investigate the cross-sectional relation between the 1’STST and step count at baseline, and between changes in these variables following PR. <bold>Results:</bold> Forty-five patients (age 64±10, 56% male, FEV₁ 43±14%predicted) started PR of whom 39 completed the 3-month PR program. A moderate significant correlation was found between the 1’STST (23.8±7.9 repetitions) and PA (3746±2236 steps/day) at baseline (r=0.47, p<0.001); changes in the 1’STST (+3.7±6.4 repetitions, p<0.001) and PA (+60±1624 steps/day, p=0.84) were not related (r=0.23, p=0.23) (Figure 1). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Functional capacity, measured by the 1’STST, partly relates to PA in patient with COPD. Gains in functional capacity do not necessarily translate into improved PA. <fig><object-id>erj;64/suppl_68/PA5010/F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><object-id>F1</object-id><graphic></graphic></fig>