Qualitative research can provide a unique insight into individual’s perspective and attitudes towards physical activity that cannot be elicited through quantitative methods. Frequently reported reasons to be physically active in the general elderly

population are: health concerns, socialisation, facilities, physician encouragement and purposeful activity. Frequently reported reasons to be sedentary are: lack of time, fear of injury, tiredness, lack of discipline, inadequate motivation, boredom, intimidation (afraid to slow others down), poor health, the physical environment, and lack of knowledge and understanding of the relationship between physical activity and health (Costello et al 2011, Reichert et al 2007, Schutzer BMN 673 price and Graves 2004). However, to be able to increase the physical activity level in people with COPD particularly, we believe it is necessary to identify COPD-specific reasons to be physically active or sedentary. In the pulmonary rehabilitation setting, some qualitative studies have been performed concerning physical activity maintenance. For example, Hogg et al (2012) identified social support from peers and professionals and confidence as important reasons influencing maintenance after pulmonary

rehabilitation. As pulmonary rehabilitation is not accessible for all people with COPD, it would be interesting to also investigate Selleckchem Sunitinib the reasons relevant to physical activity in daily life. Williams et al (2007) found that social integration, independence, and enjoyment were related to walking and other functional physical activities in daily life, but the sample size of this study was small. Furthermore, Calpain it would be interesting to investigate whether these personal reasons relate to

the individual’s physical activity level. If barriers are identified that are amenable to change, then this might provide useful information about how physical activity participation could be enhanced in people with COPD. The research questions addressed in this study were: 1. Among people with COPD, what reasons are perceived as influencing whether they are physically active or sedentary? This observational study combined a qualitative and quantitative approach. People with mild to very severe COPD were invited to participate in this study via a letter from their general practitioner or respiratory physician at outpatient clinics of general hospitals in the northern part of The Netherlands. This study was part of a larger study on physical activity in people with COPD. Participants were enrolled in this cross-sectional study between February 2009 and February 2012 if they had COPD according to the GOLD criteria (Vestbo et al 2012). Comorbidities were allowed, but people were excluded if they had serious active disease that needed medical treatment (eg, recent myocardial infarct, carcinoma), or if they were treated for an exacerbation of their COPD during the previous two months.