S12 Efficacy of a physical activity behavioural modification tele-coaching intervention in lung transplant recipients: an interim analysis

• Published in: Thorax Vol. 77; no. Suppl 1; pp. A11 - A12
• Main Authors: Hume, E, Muse, H, Wallace, K, Wilkinson, M, Heslop Marshall, K, Nair, A, Sanchez, J, Benavent, J, Roldan, J, Clark, S, Vogiatzis, I
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and British Thoracic Society 11.11.2022; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; Exercise; Intervention; Lung transplants; ‘Chariots of fire’ – Interventions and assessment in respiratory physiotherapy
• ISSN: 0040-6376; 1468-3296
• DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2022-BTSabstracts.18

IntroductionDespite improvements in pulmonary function following lung transplantation (LTx), physical activity levels remain significantly lower than the general population. To date, there is little research investigating interventions to improve daily physical activity in LTx recipients.ObjectiveTo determine the potential efficacy of a novel, 12-week behavioural modification tele-coaching (TC) intervention to enhance physical activity and HRQoL in LTx recipients.MethodsIn this pilot RCT, 19 LTx recipients were randomised (1:1) to TC or usual care (UC) and 17 completed (65% male; mean±SD age; 56±10 years; COPD n=5, ILD n=9, CF n=2, PH n=1): TC (n=10) and UC (n=7). TC consists of a pedometer and smartphone app, allowing transmission of activity data to a platform (Linkcare v2) that provides feedback, activity goals, education, and contact with the researcher as required. Remote assessment pre- and post-intervention includes physical activity using accelerometry (Actigraph GT3X), HADS and SF-36 questionnaire.ResultsAfter 12 weeks, both TC and UC groups showed significant improvements in daily steps (by 2945±3056 and 1790±1349 steps/day, respectively; p<0.05), however the improvement in TC exceeded UC (1155±1240 steps/day) by clinically important margins (Demeyer et al, 2016). Only TC displayed significant improvements in movement intensity (by 138±148 VMU; p=0.023 and time spent in at least light intensity activity (by 43±28 mins/day; p=0.002) over 12 weeks (figure 1). Both TC and UC displayed clinically important improvements in SF-36 physical component summary scores (by 9.9±13.9 and 6.0±9.4 points, respectively), however only TC improved significantly (p=0.031). Additionally, there were clinically important improvements in HADS anxiety scores in the TC group (by -2±4 points), but not UC (by 0±2 points). There were no changes in SF-36 mental component summary or HADS depression scores in either group.Abstract S12 Figure 1A) Daily steps, B) Movement Intensity, C) Sedentary time, D) Time spent in at least light intensity activity at baseline (hospital discharge) and 12 weeks for lung transplant recipients assigned to Tele-Coaching (n=10) and Usual Care (n=7). Data are mean±SEM. #Clinically important difference between groupsConclusionLTx recipients display a degree of natural recovery in physical activity and HRQoL following LTx, however tele-coaching appears to optimise improvements in these outcomes and is a promising intervention to support patients’ recovery remotely.ReferenceDemeyer, et al. The minimal important difference in physical activity in patients with COPD. PLoS ONE 2016;11(4):e0154587.