Pulmonary rehabilitation in patients with interstitial lung disease : the effects of a 12-week programme

Abstract

Background: The inclusion of Pulmonary Rehabilitation as part of the management of Interstitial Lung Disease, although being highly recommended in most recent guidelines, still has limited studies exploring the outcomes from such an intervention. The present study aims to contribute to the available literature by investigating the effects of a high intensity, 12 week PR programme on functional and quality of life measures in patients with a diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease.

Methodology: This paper reports outcomes of an observational, prospective, quasi experimental type of study. A total of 120 participants were recruited: 60 patients formed part of the active group, and another 60 patients were enrolled in an inactive group. Each participant was classified according to the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale and placed in one of 5 categories (0–4) according to self-perceived breathlessness during daily activities. The following outcomes were measured: Lung function tests including plethysmography and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), functional tests (6-min walking distance test, Dyspnoea Borg Scale) and health status measures (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score).

Results: A 12-week PR programme for patients with Interstitial Lung Disease, led to significant improvements in the active group of patients in the 6 min walking distance test, the modified Borg Scale, mMRC scores and in the

health status measures. Lung function measures did not show any significant improvement following this in- tervention.

Conclusion: This 12week Pulmonary Rehabilitation programme resulted in improvements in functional aspects for patients with Interstitial Lung Disease. Further studies are recommended as Pulmonary Rehabilitation for Interstitial Lung Disease may have an impact at both an individual level and at global organisational/financial levels.