Effects of a 3-week pulmonary rehabilitation program in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis – A randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Background There is growing evidence that patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) benefit from pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in terms of exercise capacity and health related quality of life (HRQL). However, the effects of PR on mental aspects of HRQL are still unknown. Objective The aim of our study was to investigate (a) short-term effects of an inpatient PR and (2) sustainability after 3 months in IPF patients. Methods 33 IPF patients were randomized into a PR group (PRG) receiving 3 weeks of inpatient PR (n=18, 68±9y, FVC: 73±17%pred.) and a control group (CG) with usual care (n=15, 65±10y; FVC: 72±21%pred.). Data were collected at the begin of the study [T1], after 6 weeks of usual care (CG) or following PR (PRG)[T2], and at 3 months follow-up (n=24)[T3]. Results From T1 to T2, PRG but not CG improved significantly in HADS scores (anxiety: -1.5±2.7pts., depression: -1.7±2.3pts.), mental score of SF36 questionnaire (6.1±7.9pts.), and CRQ categories of mastery (0.7±1.2pts.), fatigue (0.9±1.5pts.) and emotion (0.9±1.1pts.). CRQ dyspnea score worsened significantly in CG (-0.5±0.7pts.). At T3, PRG improved clinically relevant in all CRQ domains (>0.5pts.) and HADS scores (each >1.0pts.) compared to CG. 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) increased from T1 to T2 in PRG (+60±94m, p Conclusion PR improves anxiety and depression, HRQL and 6MWD in IPF patients. The benefit of PR was sustained after 3 months to a clinical relevant extent regarding HRQL, symptoms of anxiety and depression but not 6MWD.