Benefits of a 12-week pulmonary rehabilitation programme in interstitial lung diseases: 1 year post completions

ObjectivesEvidence on the efficacy of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in the management of ILD is growing. Despite studies reporting benefits, few studies have investigated the long-term effects in such patients, resulting in a call for such research. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a 12-week PR programme on exercise tolerance, quality of life and physical activity, 6- and 12-months post completion.DesignAn observational, prospective, quasi experimental type of study.SettingOut-Patient Physiotherapy Department.Participants60 participants diagnosed with Interstitial Lung Disease.InterventionA 12week PR programme was delivered with outcome measures assessed throughout the programme and at the 28th and 52nd week.Main Outcome Measures6-min walking distance test, Dyspnoea Borg Scale, St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Score were measured.ResultsMaintenance of effects was noted in SGRQ scores p = 0.005 on completion of the 12week programme, depression scores (p = 0.038 at week 28 and p = 0.008 at week 52) and BODE index resulting in a statistically significant improvement at the 52nd week (p = 0.017). Benefits of in the 6MWT were maintained at 28week but had a statistically significant decline at 52weeks post completion (p = 0.013). Dyspnoea scores increased post completion of the 12week PR programme at both the 28th week (p = 0.008) and 52nd week (p = 0.005).ConclusionImprovements were maintained up to 1 year post completion in most outcome measures or else showed benefits till the 52week.