The Association of Physical Activity Levels and Inflammatory Markers in COPD Patients Following Pulmonary Rehabilitation

COPD is characterised by irreversible airflow limitation that is usually progressive and associated with an enhanced chronic inflammatory response. This inflammation can be amplified with flare-ups that are commonly seen in COPD patients. Pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the most effective methods of managing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Pulmonary rehabilitation has been seen to induce improvements in functional capacity and quality.

In healthy individuals, exercise has been shown to induce an anti-inflammatory response when performed regularly. However, the effects of exercise on inflammation in COPD are unclear. Our initial CIMPRES-COPD study has looked into the effects of short-term exercise, as part of pulmonary rehabilitation, on inflammation. However, this trial will examine the inflammatory response in COPD patients who are most active following pulmonary rehabilitation against those who are least active.

This study will split participants into 2 groups according to physical activity level following pulmonary rehabilitation. We will recruit 40 COPD patients who provided a sample in the initial CIMPRES-COPD study to explore inflammatory responses in those who are most active and least active. By better understanding the mechanisms of how long-term physical activity levels affects inflammation in COPD, we could design better interventions to increase physical activity levels following pulmonary rehabilitation.