Physical activity and the use of COPD medication

Abstract

Background: Physically active COPD patients have less exacerbations and symptoms of dyspnoea than inactive patients. We wanted to know if the use of medication explains the difference. Aim of the study: was to determine the association between physical activity, exacerbations and COPD medication. Methods: Medical records data was collected to identify the study patients (N=719) hospital admissions, use of medication from national registry for drug imbursements, and physical activity by a postal questionnaire. Results: Approximately half of the patients used long acting muscarinic antagonists (LAMAs), long acting beta agonists (LABAs) and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) less than the assumed average maintenance doses, the daily defined doses (DDD). Use of maintenance therapies did not differ significantly between physically active (N=346) and inactive (N=355). Cumulative doses of salbutamol (85 vs. 218 mg, adjusted P=0.01) and oral corticosteroids (OCS) (621 vs. 1068 mg, adjusted P=0.02) were significantly higher among inactive patients, despite of disease severity. Physical inactivity was independently associated to the use OCS, short acting symptom relieving medication and the number of hospital admissions. Conclusion: Physical inactivity associated with increased number of exacerbations and higher doses of salbutamol and OCS, but not with poorer use of maintenance medication. In case of an exacerbation we should evaluate the use of medication, physical activity and the need of pulmonary rehabilitation.