Pneumologische Rehabilitation: Langzeitdaten zur Lebensqualität und Prädiktoren der Behandlungseffekte

Abstract

The study aims to examine changes in quality of life six and twelve months after pneumological rehabilitation and determine whether the treatment results for COPD reported in international literature can be documented for rehabilitation patients with other chronic respiratory diseases as well. Additionally, parameters of physical capacity and lung function were observed for short-term effects at the end of rehabilitation. The socio-demographic, medical, and psychosocial factors associated with a good condition following rehabilitation are analyzed. A prospective observation study was conducted at four times (at the beginning and end of rehabilitation and six and twelve months after rehabilitation) (n=199). The IRES and SGRQ questionnaires were used to measure quality of life. Additionally, forced expiratory volume, airways resistance, and the six-minute walk test were measured or carried out. In the IRES questionnaire, all measurements carried out at various times indicated clear effects achieved regarding somatic health, psychological condition, and health behavior, which can be considered medium high to high according to the usual conventions. In general however, a reduction of the effects can be observed as the interval following rehabilitation increases. The results from the SGRQ questionnaire are similar, but the effects are at a lower level. Significant improvement was also registered with regard to physical capacity and lung function. Advanced age as well as poorer general somatic condition and greater psychological stress at the beginning of rehabilitation were associated with lower ef-fects. Not only COPD patients benefit from inpatient pneumological rehabilitation, but asthma patients and other patient groups with chronic respiratory disease as well. Clinically relevant improvement can be verified in several areas even a year later.