Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research
Short and long-term effects of pulmonary rehabilitation in interstitial lung diseases: a randomised controlled trial
Published in: Respiratory Research | Issue 1/2018
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Background
Few data are available on the long-term effect of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) and on long PR programs in interstitial lung diseases (ILD).
We aimed to evaluate the effects of PR on exercise capacity (6-Minute Walking Distance, 6MWD; Peak Work Rate, Wmax), quality of life (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, SGRQ), quadriceps force (QF) and objectively measured physical activity in ILD after the 6-month PR-program and after 1 year.
Methods
60 patients (64 ± 11 years; 62% males; 23% with IPF) were randomly assigned to receive a 6 month-PR program or usual medical care.
Results
Exercise capacity, quality of life and muscle force increased significantly after the program as compared to control (mean,95%CI[ll to ul]; 6MWD + 72,[36 to 108] m; Wmax 19, [8 to 29]%pred; SGRQ − 12,[− 19 to − 6] points; QF 10, [1 to 18] %pred). The gain was sustained after 1 year (6MWD 73,[28 to 118] m; Wmax 23, [10 to 35]%pred; SGRQ − 11,[− 18 to − 4] points; QF 9.5, [1 to 18] %pred). Physical activity did not change.
Conclusions
PR improves exercise tolerance, health status and muscle force in ILD. The benefits are maintained at 1-year follow-up. The intervention did not change physical activity.
Trial registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00882817.