Daily physical activity significantly improves after endobronchial valve treatment in patients with emphysema

Abstract

Background: Bronchoscopic lung volume reduction using endobronchial valves (EBV) is a promising treatment for patients with severe emphysema. Physical activity is an important factor for the autonomy of these patients. For the first time, we investigated the effect of EBV treatment on daily physical activity in patients with severe emphysema, also to assess its potential as efficacy outcome parameter in this patient group. Methods: EBV treatment was compared with standard medical care in a randomized controlled trial. Daily physical activity was measured for 7 days by a triaxial accelerometer (Dynaport, McRoberts) at baseline and at 6 months follow-up. Results: Forty-three patients (23%male, age 59±9years, FEV 1 30±7%pred, steps 3563±2213per/day, locomotion time 66±35minutes/day) wore the accelerometer and were included in the analysis. Nineteen patients received EBV treatment (9EBV group9) and 24 standard medical care (9controls9). After 6 months, the EBV group significantly (p 1 (0.41, p=0.006) and a higher increase in 6MWT (r=0.57, p Conclusions: EBV treatment significantly improves daily physical activity level and intensity in patients with severe emphysema. We suggest that daily physical activity should be an important patient-centered clinical outcome variable in clinical trials investigating treatments for severe COPD.