Volunter-led community-based exercise programme impact on health outcomes in patients with chronic pulmonary disease in New Zealand

Pulmonary rehabilitation improves the health of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Community-based maintenance programmes led by health professionals maintain these benefits; however, limited information is available on volunteer led community programmes. We investigated the impact of a post-rehabilitation volunteer-led programme on the health of people with COPD. Attendees (n = 19) and non-attendees (n = 24) completed questionnaires to assess anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), COPD symptoms (COPD Assessment Test), and health-related quality of life (EQ-5D-3L-3L); a sit-to-stand test, and oxygen saturation before and after the programme, and 1–2 years later at follow-up. In addition, both attendees andnon-attendees completed a social connectedness questionnaire and participated in a qualitative interview at follow-up. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found at follow-up between attendees and non-attendees. Additionally, attendees’ depressive and COPD symptoms and all other health variables had returned to baseline (pre-rehabilitation) levels by follow-up. In contrast, qualitative analysis showed positive themes for attending the programme, with the most common benefit of engaging with others with COPD. Our findings suggest that the impact of COPD on health may be profound even in motivated and engaged people. Further research to develop optimal models for maintenance programmes would support effective practice in the community.