This study aimed to assess the levels of physical activity (PA) in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), investigate the impact of dyspnea-related kinesiophobia on them, and further examine the moderated mediation effects of exercise perception and exercise self-regulatory efficacy on this relationship. This cross-sectional study was conducted from December 2023 to May 2024. Data were collected using the Breathlessness Beliefs Questionnaire, International Physical Activity Questionnaire - Long Form, Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale, and Exercise Self-Regulatory Efficacy Scale. Descriptive statistics and Process macro in the SPSS program were used for data analysis. A total of 239 patients with COPD were included, and median physical activities were 64.50 (28.00, 126.55) MET-h/week. Dyspnea-related kinesiophobia was negatively correlated with exercise perception, exercise self-regulatory efficacy, and PA (r = -0.503, -0.739, -0.657, P���<���0.01). Exercise self-regulatory efficacy partially mediated the impact of dyspnea-related kinesiophobia on PA (�� = -0.255, 95% CI [-0.353, -0.164]), and exercise perception moderating this mediating pathway (�����=���0.100, P���=���0.030; �����=���0.412, P���<���0.001). People with COPD commonly have dyspnea-related kinesiophobia and experienced physical inactivity. The moderated mediation model provides a better understanding of how dyspnea-related kinesiophobia, exercise self-regulatory efficacy, and exercise perception work together to influence PA. Interventions seeking to improve the levels of PA in patients with COPD should consider these elements.
Humans
Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive
Dyspnea
Male
Female
Exercise
Middle Aged
Cross-Sectional Studies
Aged
Surveys and Questionnaires
Phobic Disorders
Kinesiophobia
