Acceptability of an Ehealth Physical Activity Coaching Intervention in People With Copd Undergoing Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Introduction: Physical inactivity is common in people with COPD. Although pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) improves symptoms and exercise capacity, it has limited impact on physical activity (PA) in daily life after programme completion, highlighting the potential role of behavioural interventions using eHealth. This study aimed to evaluate the acceptability of an eHealth PA coaching intervention in people with COPD undergoing PR. Materials and Methods: A 3-week eHealth PA coaching intervention was implemented during PR, consisting of a web app for healthcare professionals (HCPs) and a mobile app connected to a smartband for patients. PA was monitored for one week to establish baseline step counts. At the beginning of each of the following two weeks (W2 and W3), a daily step goal was defined, based on patients’ performance in the previous week and willingness to increase PA levels. During those weeks, participants received notifications about goals and their achievement, motivational messages and a weekly telephone call addressing barriers to PA. Acceptability was evaluated through a focus group. Results: Five patients (67±9yrs, 4 females; FEV1 49±23%pred, 6982±1803 steps/day) participated. In W2, most patients achieved their PA goal (n=3). In W3, only two patients decided to increase their goal, and one failed to achieve it. Participants perceived the intervention as an added value, by increasing their PA awareness and supporting PA monitoring by HCPs. Facilitators included a user-friendly interface, flexible time demands, collaborative and individualised goal setting, with weekly identification of PA barriers and strategies to overcome it, and regular contact with HCPs. Identified barriers were limited personalisation (e.g., lack of other PA types or tailored exercises), the exclusive focus on step counts and occasional step miscounts. Conclusions: Overall, the intervention was well accepted; studies are needed to assess its effectiveness in improving PA levels in COPD.