Physical activity level in patients with bronchiectasis: a systematic review of determinants and outcome measures

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Changes in respiratory functions negatively affect physical activity (PA) levels of patients with bronchiectasis. Therefore, detecting the most used assessments of PA is essential as determining related factors and improving PA. <b>Aim:</b> To investigate the PA levels, compare levels with the recommended PA guidelines, examine the determinants related to PA, and determine the outcome measurements of PA in patients with bronchiectasis. <b>Methods:</b> This study was conducted using databases of MEDLINE, Web of Science and PEDro. The search terms were variations of “bronchiectasis” and “physical activity”. Full texts of cross sectional studies and clinical trials were included. Two authors independently screened the studies for inclusion. <b>Results:</b> The initial search identified 489 studies. A hundred articles were selected for full-text review. Following the application of the eligibility process, 13 articles were included. Eleven of all studies used activity monitors and, four of them used questionnaires. The studies used activity monitors presented daily step counts. The average number of steps ranges were between 4657-9164 for adult patients in the studies. One study investigated children’s PA level reported 8229 steps/day. The functional exercise capacity, dyspnea, FEV1 and, quality of life as related determinants with PA have been reported in the studies. <b>Conclusions:</b> The objective measurements were frequently used in PA assessment. PA levels of patients with non-CF bronchiectasis were lower than the recommended levels. In further studies, it is needed to investigate the related determinants of PA in patients.