An exploration of beliefs regarding exercise among Taiwanese patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

ObjectivesTo explore the beliefs regarding regular exercise among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).BackgroundLow adherence to exercise has been observed in patients with COPD. It is important to identify factors regarding exercise from the patients' viewpoint.MethodsThirty-one patients were recruited from a medical center in Taiwan. Semi-structured, in-depth, one-on-one interviews were conducted to collect data. The narratives of the interviews were analyzed via content analysis.ResultsThe majority of the participants affirmed the benefits of regular exercise; however, concerns about personal comfort and safety affected their actual exercise behavior. Five normative references were found to support exercise behavior, and several exercise promoters were identified.ConclusionThis study provides an understanding of exercise beliefs of Taiwanese patients with COPD stage II–IV and suggests several ideas for their exercise maintenance. There is a need to provide individualized exercise guides and reinforced programs for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.