Effects of the interaction between walking activity and air pollution on daily respiratory symptoms in people with COPD

Thorax 2026 Open access

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Authors: Alícia Josa-Culleré, Sarah Koch, Ioar Rivas, Elena Gimeno-Santos, Joren Buekers, Laura Delgado-Ortiz, Victoria Alcaraz, Isabel Blanco, I García-Olivé, Diego Rodríguez-Chiaradia, Marta Cirach, Antònia Valentín
+2 more Lidia Morawska, Judith Garcia‐Aymerich
DOI: 10.1136/thorax-2025-224411
Cited by: 1
References: 43

Abstract

Objectives Walking activity can improve the prognosis of people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but might worsen the harmful effects of pollution if practised in polluted environments. We aimed to determine the combined effect of walking activity and air pollution on daily respiratory symptoms in people with COPD. Methods This multicentre panel study assessed 105 people with COPD from Catalonia (Spain) over two 7 days periods. Daily walking activity (walking duration, step count) was measured via activity monitors. Daily air pollutant concentration (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter

Fields of Study & Subjects

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research Air Quality and Health Impacts Indoor Air Quality and Microbial Exposure

Publication details

Journal / source
Thorax
Publisher
BMJ
Pages
thorax–2025
Publication date
18 May 2026
Language
EN