Physical activity behaviour in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; a focus group study

Rationale and aims 

Identifying behavioural factors associated with physical activity in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) may be useful in supporting a more active lifestyle. The aim of this focus group study was to explore participants’ perceptions of their own physical activity engagement, and their knowledge and use of behaviour change interventions in relation to physical activity.

Methods 

Purposive sampling methods were undertaken, where participants who responded to a survey exploring physical activity behaviour in COPD were asked to volunteer for a follow-up focus group study. Four focus groups took place February- April 2025. All participants had COPD, were over 18 years and lived in the Republic of Ireland.

Analysis 

Reflexive thematic analysis was utilised to interpret focus group data, where the topic guide had been informed by previous research in the field. Findings were mapped to the theoretical domains framework in order to help inform future interventions for physical activity.

Findings 

Twenty-two participants took part in the focus groups, 19 participants reported that they had previously attended pulmonary rehabilitation or an exercise/ support group for COPD. Three major themes were identified in the data; connection and meaningfulness, environmental and social context and the body as a limiting factor. Sub themes such as the benefits of peer support, feeling enjoyment, the importance of routine, and receiving information from a credible source, were associated with positively influencing behaviour. Lack of resources and limitations caused by the disease, such as breathlessness, were identified as negatively impacting physical activity. Various theoretical domains including emotion, social influences and reinforcement were prevalent among perceived effective interventions, indicating the complex nature of physical activity behaviour in this population.

Conclusion 

Physical activity behaviour is complex, particularly in the context of COPD, but personal connection and environmental factors may be influential. Use of a behavioural framework helped to identify individually effective interventions to support a physically active lifestyle in COPD.