Feasibility of an eHealth physical activity coaching intervention in COPD patients undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation

Physical activity (PA) is a key treatable trait in COPD patients and digital health interventions (eHealth) may enhance PA due to the growing use of technology in daily life. This 3-week study assessed the feasibility of an eHealth PA coaching intervention for COPD patients completing a 12-week PR program. The eHealth platform included a web app for healthcare professionals (HCP) and a mobile app connected to a smartband for patients. The intervention included PA monitoring on week 1 to establish PA levels (steps/day, through a smartband), followed by 2 weeks of step-based goal setting (based on performance and willingness to increase), notifications on new goals and their achievement, motivational messages and weekly phone contact with the researcher to identify PA barriers and goal setting. Feasibility and acceptability were assessed through a focus group. Five COPD patients (67±9yrs, 4 female; FEV1 49±23%pred, 6982±1803 steps/day) participated with no dropouts. In week 1, most patients achieved the PA goal (n=3). For week 2, some patients preferred to keep the goal (n=2) and of those who decided to increase, only one failed to achieve it. Participants found the intervention helpful for PA self-management and remote monitoring. Key limitations included a lack of app personalisation (i.e., absence of other PA types or tailored exercises), a focus solely on step counts for PA goals and occasional step miscounts. Patients valued the weekly goal adjustments and the contact with the HCP. Overall, the intervention was well-received and feasible but more robust and longer studies are needed to assess its effectiveness on patients’ PA levels.