Effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation on Functional and Health Status Measures in Pulmonary Fibrosis

University of Malta

Status: Completed

Conditions: Pulmonary Fibrosis

Treatments: Other: Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03542318

191/2011

Details and patient eligibility

About

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

Full description

The inclusion of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) as part of the management of pulmonary fibrosis although being highly recommended and recommended in guidelines still sees studies exploring the outcomes from such an intervention limited. The present study aims to contribute to the available literature by investigating the effects of a high intensity, 12week PR programme on functional and quality of life measures in patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. This study reports outcomes of an observational, quasi experimental type of study. A total of 120 participants were recruited: 60 patients formed part of the active group, 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 to 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-minute walking test, Dyspnoea Borg Scale) and Health status measures (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and HAD score).

Enrollment: 120 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 30+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients with a confirmed diagnosis of Pulmonary Fibrosis
• Patients had to be medically stable to participate in such a programme

Exclusion criteria

• Any orthopaedic or neurological condition affecting mobility
• If they required oxygen therapy this had to be used

Trial design

120 participants in 2 patient groups

Active group (Experimental)

Description:

Total of 60 patients were enrolled. All patients were referred for PR from the outpatient clinics of the local general hospital. Pulmonary fibrosis was confirmed through a high resonance computed tomography scan and pulmonary function testing. Participants who required modifications to their drug therapy due to exacerbations were excluded from the study. Each participant was classified according to the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale

Treatment:

Other: Pulmonary Rehabilitation

Inactive control group

Description:

A total of 60 patients were enrolled in a control group. All were referred for PR from the outpatient clinics of the local general hospital. In this group patients who requested not to carry out the intervention but participate in the investigations were enrolled. Each participant was classified according to the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale, and placed in one of 5 categories (0 to 4) according to self-perceived breathlessness during daily activities