COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) is the most common pulmonary disease and is the only common cause of death in which mortality is presently rising. It is caused by the inhalation of smoke, which leads to oxidative stress and inflammation both in the lungs and systemically. Reduced physical activity is a well-recognized consequence of the condition, but we argue here that inactivity is itself an early cause of lung function decline and symptoms. This hypothesis is supported by data from population studies that link activity levels to decline in spirometric indices, both in smokers and non-smokers. In addition, smokers with low physical activity levels are more likely to be diagnosed subsequently with COPD. Physical exercise reduces oxidative stress, has an anti-inflammatory effect and reduces the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections, providing a number of mechanisms by which it could attenuate the harmful effects of smoking. There is sufficient evidence to justify population trials of lifestyle interventions aimed at improving physical activity levels and reducing lung function decline in people diagnosed with early COPD through spirometry screening.
Skip Nav Destination
Article navigation
Hypothesis|
February 09 2010
Does physical inactivity cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?
Nicholas S. Hopkinson;
1National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW3 6NP, U.K.
Correspondence: Dr Nicholas S. Hopkinson (email n.hopkinson@ic.ac.uk).
Search for other works by this author on:
Michael I. Polkey
Michael I. Polkey
1National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, Royal Brompton Hospital, London SW3 6NP, U.K.
Search for other works by this author on:
Publisher: Portland Press Ltd
Received:
September 08 2009
Revision Received:
October 28 2009
Accepted:
October 30 2009
Online ISSN: 1470-8736
Print ISSN: 0143-5221
© The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 Biochemical Society
2010
Clin Sci (Lond) (2010) 118 (9): 565–572.
Article history
Received:
September 08 2009
Revision Received:
October 28 2009
Accepted:
October 30 2009
Citation
Nicholas S. Hopkinson, Michael I. Polkey; Does physical inactivity cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease?. Clin Sci (Lond) 1 May 2010; 118 (9): 565–572. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/CS20090458
Download citation file:
Sign in
Don't already have an account? Register
Sign in to your personal account
You could not be signed in. Please check your email address / username and password and try again.
Captcha Validation Error. Please try again.