The Roles of Peers and Functional Tasks in Enhancing Exercise Training for Adults With COPD

Timed "Up & Go" test

This test measures the time it takes an individual to stand from a standard chair (approximately 46cm), walk 3 metres, walk back, and return to sit on the chair (Podsiadlo \& Richardson, 1991). The participant is timed from when the leave the seat to when they are seated again. A time of \>30 seconds is the cut-off for safe unsupervised participation (Podsiadlo \& Richardson, 1991). Anyone who gets a time \>30seconds will be informed that they cannot participate.

Time frame: Baseline, 8 and 12 weeks

1-minute sit-to-stand test

The 1-minute sit-to-stand test is a measure of exercise capacity that has been validated with individuals living with COPD (Puhan et al., 2013). Individuals sit on a standard chair without arm rests, with their legs hip-width apart and about 90 degrees knee flexion and aligned and are asked to hold their hands stationary on their hips. Participants are then asked to stand and sit 1-2 times to familiar themselves with the movement. Then, for the duration of 1 minute, participants are asked to do as many repetitions as possible of the sit to stand, without using arms for support. The number of repetitions is recorded.

Time frame: Baseline, 8 and 12 weeks

Handgrip Test

To measure handgrip strength, we will use a Hand Dynamometer that will be sent to participants. Individuals sit with their shoulders adducted, elbows flexed to 90˚ and forearms in a neutral position (Puhan et al., 2013). They are then asked to squeeze the handle as much as possible and read to the nearest kilogram where the needle stopped, which is then recorded. The best of six measurements is used as an indication of upper body strength.

Time frame: Baseline, 8 and 12 weeks

Borg Scale - Dyspnea

On a scale from 0-10, participants' indicate their breathlessness level. 0- No breathlessness at all to 10- Maximal breathlessness

Time frame: Baseline, 8 and 12 weeks

Godin Leisure Time Physical Activity Questionnaire

Self-reported physical activity levels measured in length of bouts over the previous 7 days to determine physical activity frequency.

Time frame: Baseline, 8, and 12 weeks

The Psychological Need Satisfaction in Exercise scale

This 1-6 scale represents different feelings people have when they exercise. 1-true to how they typically feel when exercising, and 6-false to how they typically feel when exercising.

Time frame: Baseline, 8, and 12 weeks

The Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire

This 7 point scale relates to the reasons why one would either start to exercise regularly or continue to do so. 1- not at all true to the reason why they would exercise regularly, and 7- Very to true to the reason why they would exercise regularly.

Time frame: Baseline, 8, and 12 weeks

Social Support from Peer Support Group Questionnaire

This 4 point scale measures how often during the past 4 weeks peers (i.e. other people with COPD) have provided informational and emotional support to the participant. 1- Never provided the support described and 4- Very often provided the support described.

Time frame: 8 and 12 weeks

Medical Research Council Questionnaire on Breathlessness (mMRC)

This questionnaire was used to measure participants' breathlessness burden using a single item scale from 0 to 4, where a score of 0-1 indicated mild breathlessness and 2-4 indicated increased breathlessness.

Time frame: Baseline, 8, and 12 weeks

COPD Assessment Test (CAT)

This questionnaire was used to measure the impact COPD is having on well being and daily life. The CAT is an eight-item semantic differential scale from 0 to 5, where 0 is no impact and 5 is extremely impactful. Participants' scores were totaled and a score of ≥ 10 indicated higher than normal burden of disease.

Time frame: Baseline, 8, and 12 weeks