Physical inactivity in pulmonary sarcoidosis

Purpose Reduced physical activity in many chronic diseases is consistently associated with increased morbidity. Little is known about physical activity in sarcoidosis. The aim of this study was to objectively assess physical activity in patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and investigate its relationship with lung function, exercise capacity, symptom burden, and health status. Methods Physical activity was assessed over one week in 15 patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis and 14 age-matched healthy controls with a tri-axial accelerometer (ActivPalTM) and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). All participants underwent pulmonary function tests, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and completed the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), Medical Research Council (MRC) Dyspnoea Scale and the King’s Sarcoidosis Questionnaire (KSQ). Results Patients with sarcoidosis had significantly lower daily step counts than healthy controls; mean(SD) 5624(1875) vs. 10429(2942) steps (p<0.01) and completed fewer sit-to-stand transitions each day (p=0.095). Only two patients (13%) self-reported undertaking vigorous physical activity (IPAQ) compared to half of healthy individuals (p