HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:
Guest Access | Sign In via User Name/Password

This Article Full Text (PDF) Submit a response Alert me when this article is cited Alert me when eLetters are posted Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Personal Article Archive Download to citation manager Google Scholar Articles by Sandland, C. J Articles by Singh, S. J PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Sandland, C. J Articles by Singh, S. J

Patterns of domestic activity and ambulatory oxygen usage in COPD

University Hospitals of Leicester, Groby Road, Leicster, LE3 9QP

carolyn.sandland{at}uhl-tr.nhs.uk

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to examine patterns of domestic activity and ambulatory oxygen usage in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their domestic environment.

Methods20 patients (14 male), mean (SD), age 73.4 (6.8) yrs, FEV₁ 1.0 (0.5) l with stable COPD were recruited after completing a 7-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme. Patients were either hypoxic at rest or de-saturated on exercise. Patients were randomised to an 8-week, double blind, placebo controlled trial of cylinder oxygen versus cylinder air. Total domestic physical activity and health-related quality of life measures were recorded pre and post intervention.

ResultsThere were no significant changes in domestic activity or HRQL measures after the intervention for either cylinder oxygen or cylinder air except for a worsening of the CRQ dyspnoea domain on cylinder air. There was a significant increase in mean duration (min per day) of cylinder use (p<0.05) between weeks 1 vs. 7 and 1 vs. 8 for the oxygen group. However when comparing the two groups together there was no between group differences in cylinder use or time spent outside the home. Over the 8 weeks the majority of patients were using the cylinders in the home rather than outside, however the number of times patients reported using the cylinders outside the home increased over the 8 weeks for the oxygen group.

ConclusionIn the short term, ambulatory oxygen therapy is not associated with improvements in physical activity, HRQL or time spent away from home. However the use of cylinder oxygen increased over the 8 weeks compared to cylinder air. Patients need time to learn how to use oxygen and ambulatory oxygen appears to enhance activities rather than increase them.

Key Words: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease • ambulatory oxygen • domestic activity