Optimism, exacerbations and health outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD

Janssens T, Geidl W, Carl J, Pfeifer K, Lehbert N, Wittmann M, Schultz K, Von Leupoldt A (2021)

Publication Type: Conference contribution, Conference Contribution

Publication year: 2021

Original Authors: Thomas Janssens, Wolfgang Geidl, Johannes Carl, Klaus Pfeifer, Nicola Lehbert, Michael Wittmann, Konrad Schultz, Andreas Von Leupoldt

DOI: 10.1183/13993003.congress-2021.OA185

Abstract

Optimism is the individual tendency to expect positive outcomes in the future. It is predictive of different subjective and objective health outcomes, including more favorable treatment outcomes in individuals with chronic conditions. Optimism is also associated with superior recovery from acute or persistent changes in health status. We therefore explored the role of optimism in patients with COPD participating in pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), including its role in recovery from exacerbations.

Patients with COPD (n=340) participated in a 3-week multidisciplinary inpatient PR program as part of the STAR study (Geidl, W. et al. Trials 2017; 18:396). Patients were followed up until 6 months after rehabilitation. Optimism was measured using the Life Orientation Test – Revised (LOT-R). In this secondary analysis, key outcomes were depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9)), and health status (COPD Assessment Test (CAT)).

High optimism (1SD above mean) at the start of PR was associated with 1.67[1.23-2.08] points fewer depressive symptoms (p<.0001), and 1.58[0.87-2.28] points lower CAT scores (p<.0001) throughout PR and follow-up. 6 weeks after PR, 54 patients had at least 1 exacerbation, increasing to 81 patients 6 months after PR. Associations of optimism with reduced depressive symptoms were similar for patients with and without exacerbations. In patients with exacerbations, optimism was not associated with better CAT scores (0.16[-1.89-2.20]).

Similar to other chronic conditions, optimism is associated with better health outcomes during PR in patients with COPD. However, optimism has only a limited role in patients experiencing exacerbations.

Authors with CRIS profile

Wolfgang Geidl Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Johannes Carl Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit Klaus Pfeifer Lehrstuhl für Sportwissenschaft mit dem Schwerpunkt Bewegung und Gesundheit

Involved external institutions

Klinik Bad Reichenhall DE Germany (DE) Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (KUL) / Catholic University of Leuven BE Belgium (BE)

How to cite

APA:

Janssens, T., Geidl, W., Carl, J., Pfeifer, K., Lehbert, N., Wittmann, M.,... Von Leupoldt, A. (2021). Optimism, exacerbations and health outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD. In Proceedings of the 2021 ERS International Congress.

MLA:

Janssens, Thomas, et al. "Optimism, exacerbations and health outcomes of pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with COPD." Proceedings of the 2021 ERS International Congress 2021.

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