Engaging in long-term, home-based, virtual cycling for persons with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study

PURPOSE: There is a growing interest in home-based exercise for persons living with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), but little is known about how they experience engaging in such interventions over time. This qualitative study explores how persons with COPD perceive and make sense of engaging in a long-term, home-based, virtual cycling intervention following hospitalisation due to exacerbation of COPD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven participants with moderate to severe COPD, who had taken part in the intervention, were interviewed using a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were analysed through a phenomenological-hermeneutic approach, involving multiple researchers in the interpretive process to ensure rigour.

RESULTS: The analysis revealed three themes: (1) Making sense of exercise-Beliefs, habits, and personal preferences, (2) Doing what you can-Physical resources, timing, and disruption, (3) Alone but not lonely-Social presence and importance. We found that the participants' engagement was shaped by a multitude of factors. While many participants found home-based, virtual cycling enjoyable, accessible, and meaningful, others faced challenges such as lack of structure, technical difficulties, and fluctuating health. Engagement was not fixed, but shaped dynamically by individual, social, and practical circumstances.

CONCLUSION: These findings show that long-term, home-based, virtual cycling can be a motivating and relevant form of exercise for persons with COPD, especially the more affected. However, to sustain engagement, ongoing support and attention to individual barriers are essential.