Activity, Balance and COPD (ABCOPD)

The research project incorporates the following components: Study 1) A prospective, observational study, to assess the relationship between a comprehensive set of measures of walking ability, strength and balance, and daily physical activity in people with chronic lung disease. Patients will attend a single assessment session to evaluate physical capacity. They will also wear a physical activity monitor for a week following completing these tests to assess physical activity and aspects of physical performance. Participants will also be invited to return two months later to provide evidence about the repeatability of measurements. Study 2) A parallel study comparing assessment of performance during six-minute walk tests by an observer to a semi-automated assessment using an activity monitor worn by the patient. This will involve a single visit and be carried out during walking tests carried out as part of routine clinical care. Study 3) A qualitative study to investigate experiences and perceptions of participants of dance groups for people with chronic lung disease, as a novel form of physical activity. This will be used to inform the design of subsequent trials of dance interventions for chronic lung disease.