Some combined programmes reduced sedentary time in people with COPD
A review found reductions in sedentary time in some programmes for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Programmes focused solely on reducing sedentary behaviour did not show statistically significant changes.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
The programmes that reduced sedentary time combined physical activity with support such as goal setting, education and feedback. Those reductions were greater than in control groups. However, programmes targeting sedentary behaviour alone did not report significant changes. The review cannot establish which programme component mattered or whether a longer programme reliably produces better results.
Few studies qualified, and differences in study design and activity-monitor placement prevented statistical pooling. The abstract does not describe the control programmes or give the size of the between-group differences.
What researchers found
Nordic walking programme
After more than 12 weeks, the decrease was significantly greater than in the control group (p < 0.01). This is the intervention's baseline change, not the between-group difference.
A combined approach
Sedentary time means time spent sitting or reclining. The programmes reporting reductions paired activity with behaviour support, so the findings concern the whole programme rather than walking or feedback in isolation.
What remained unclear
The absence of significant changes in programmes targeting sedentary behaviour alone does not establish that they cannot work. The authors found too little evidence on shorter and longer approaches to settle that question.
The original publication
Effectiveness of Interventions to Reduce Sedentary Behaviour in People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials.
Harding S, Richardson A, Glynn A et al.
COPD · 2025
- PubMed ID
- 40719387
- Record checked
AI-assisted research and writing. This explains one selected publication; it is not a complete review of everything known. Our approach.
One more question, understood.
Keep track of the research you’ve explored.