Influence of weather and atmospheric pollution on physical activity in patients with COPD
Post date: Aug 23, 2015 6:36:35 PM
Information concerning how climate and atmospheric pollutants affects physical activity in COPD patients is lacking and might be valuable in determining when physical activity should be encouraged. Seventy-three stable COPD patients recorded on daily diary cards worsening of respiratory symptoms, peak expiratory flow rate, hours spent outside the home and the number of steps taken per day. Pedometry data was recorded and daily data for atmospheric PM 10 and ozone (O 3 ) were obtained. Inactivity of COPD patients is greatest on cold, wet and overcast days and at the weekends. This study also provides evidence of an independent effect of atmospheric pollution at high levels.