Do pulmonary rehabilitation’ participants become more active? A quasi-experimental study based on a outpatient pulmonary rehabilitation program.

<bold>Introduction:</bold> After completing Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR), there is a new challenge that involves maintaining the benefits and activity levels achieved during the program. The GOLD guidelines state that PR's aim is to translate physical conditions into an increase in levels of physical activity (PA). <bold>Objectives:</bold> The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of an outpatient PR on the PA and functional capacity of individuals with COPD. <bold>Materials and Methods:</bold> A quasi-experimental study was implemented using a convenience sample of individuals with COPD who attended a 12-week PR program (20 sessions). A component that supported educational and behavioural change was included in the PR, which included endurance and muscle strengthening sessions. A pedometer (Yamax EX 510) was used to assess PA by monitoring the number of steps. The 1-minute Sit-to-Stand Test (1MSTS) was used to assess functional capacity. Both measures were evaluated at the beginning and end of the PR. <bold>Results:</bold> The number of repetitions in the 1MSTS revealed statistically significant improvements in functional capacity (p-value 0.03). Despite not being statistically significant (pre-RR – 3690, and post-RR – 3079, p-value 0.06), there was a decrease in steps number for PA levels, as shown in the data. <bold>Conclusions:</bold> This study showed that the PR did not result in gains in PA levels despite improving functional capacity (assessed by the 1MSTS). In order to increase PA levels, it seems necessary for the PR program to be accompanied by follow-up strategies and support for an extended period.