The feasibility of recruiting patients with early COPD to a pilot trial assessing the effects of a physical activity intervention

Aim: To determine the feasibility of recruiting patients with early chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to the Health Enhancing Activity in Lung THerapy (HEALTH) exercise and education programme. Methods: Patients with early COPD were identified from general practices. Those meeting the study inclusion criteria were administered tiotropium throughout the study period. Participants were randomised to either an eight-week health enhancing and physical activity (HEPA) programme, or to a control group (usual care). Behavioural, physiological and psychosocial outcome measures were reported pre- and post-intervention. Results: Out of 27 practices approached, 16 (59.3%) agreed to participate. Of 215 potentially eligible patients contacted, 60 (27.9%) replied. Twenty (33.3%) were randomised to either HEPA intervention (n=10) or usual care (n=10). Fourteen patients attended a post-intervention assessment. Conclusion: This study provides valuable information on the feasibility of conducting such a trial involving a physical activity intervention. (C) 2010 Primary Care Respiratory Society UK. All rights reserved. J Faulkner et al. Prim Care Resp J 2010; 19(2): 124-130 doi:10.4104/pcrj.2010.00008