The efficacy of a walk-bike on quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). A pilot study

Background and Aim: IPF is characterized by progressive loss of pulmonary function and exercise capacity leading to increased dependency and social isolation. A new walking aid, the walk-bike, showed an improved exercise performance in COPD patients. We want to study the efficacy of a walk-bike on quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with IPF. Methods: Patients with IPF willing to participate in an un-blinded cross-over study are randomized to 8 weeks of either standard care or use of a walk-bike with a minimum exercise of 1 hour each day. The primary endpoint is change in health related quality of life measured with the St. George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Secondary study parameters are changes in 6-minute walk test (6MWT), King9s Brief Interstitial Lung Disease questionnaire (KBILD) and patient satisfaction. Results: To date, 8 patients have been included (aim 22). Median (range) baseline FVC and TLCO %predicted were 60% (48-90) and 33% (26-51), respectively. Of the 5 patients randomised to the walk bike, respectively 2 and 3 patients showed a clinically important improvement in SGRQ and KBILD scores. In 4 of the 5 patients the 6MWT with the walk-bike showed a clinically important improvement (94 – 215 m) with less oxygen desaturation (0 - 5% difference). 6MWT without the bike did not increase significantly (6-23 m). Three of the 5 patients declined cross over due to a wish for continued use of the walk bike. Conclusion: These preliminary results show that in selected patients with IPF the use of a walk-bike increased health related quality of life and distance walked. Patient satisfaction with the walk-bike was high.