Efficacy of supervised maintenance exercise in peer support groups following pulmonary rehabilitation: A quasi-experimental study

1. Aim To evaluate the impact of participation in a community based COPD support group on maintenance of health status and health-related quality of life domains at 12-month follow-up following completion of Pulmonary Rehab (PR), compared with usual care.To describe the perceived benefits of and barriers to participation in the support group following completion of PR.2.MethodThis was a two arm, longitudinal study with a quasi experimental design. All participants who completed the standard eight week PR program in Carlow / Kilkenny with a primary diagnosis of COPD were invited to attend for a 12 month follow up appointment. Outcome measures used included ISWT, CAT, 5STS, 4MWT and HADS. In addition patients were surveyed as to whether they had participated in a support group since completion of their formal PR. Data were analysed using Jamovi (version 1.0.7.0). Descriptive statistics were used to describe the sample population and to report perceived benefits and barriers to participation in the support group. All continuous outcomes were assessed visually.Ethics was granted by the HSE South Ethics Committee. 3. ResultsResults showed a significant result between post-PR and 12 month follow up between groups in regard to their ISWT and CAT scores in particular.4. ConclusionClients with COPD who participated in a support group maintained exercise levels and functional physical outcomes better than those who didn't. Implementation Science/Service Development Research Ideas on Respiratory Conditions and Tobacco Dependency Abstract Declaration of Interest References and Clinical Trial Registry Information