Introduction

An ongoing multicenter RCT(NCT05233137) studies the effect of an exercise training program(ETP) in patients with COPD experiencing a moderate or severe exacerbation (AECOPD).

Aim

Explore the fidelity and experience of physiotherapists(PTs) and patients with the ETP.

Methods

The ETP consists of 18 supervised physiotherapy sessions in primary care for 8 weeks mainly focused on increasing quadriceps strength(QS). Fidelity was investigated as 1)adherence; 2)number and choice of exercises (?4 per session with at least 1 exercise for the quadriceps muscle) and 3)intensity aimed at 4-6/10 on the BORG scale for fatigue. Progression through the ETP was explored and experience of the PTs was collected using Likert scales.

Results

Eight patients(3 moderate and 5 severe AECOPD, range FEV1=[23-85] %pred, QS [43-93] %pred) completed the ETP. All patients followed ?75% of sessions. Of the 136 total sessions, 3% had less than 4 exercises. 118 sessions(87%) included at least 1 exercise for the quadriceps muscle. Borg was rated <4/10 in 33% of sessions and >6/10 in 3% of sessions for fatigue. Progression throughout the ETP is shown in figure 1. Usefulness of the program was scored 8(8-9)/10 and 87% of the PTs would use the ETP in the future.

Conclusion
The adherence, content and experience of primary care PTs with the ETP was good. The intensity was appropriate in 64% of sessions.