The effect of pulmonary rehabilitation on dyspnea and factors related to dyspnea in lung transplantation candidates

Abstract

Objectives: Lung transplantation is the last treatment option when conservative treatment is not effective in individuals with terminal stage lung disease. Dyspnea is the primary symptom affecting quality of life in these patients. In our study, the effects of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) on dyspnea and factors related with dyspnea were investigated in lung transplant candidates. Methods: Patients who were in the lung transplant waiting list and completed the 3-month PR program were included in the study. Study result measurements: 6-minute walk test distance (6MWD), lung functions (FEV1, FVC), respiratory muscle strength (MIP, MEP), quadriceps femoris muscle strength as measured by digital dynanometer, hand grip force measured by hand dinanometer (HG) and modified Modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnea scale. Results: A total of 47 patients were included in the study. After PR, 6MWD (p < 0.0001), MIP (p < 0.0001), MEP (p < 0.0001), HG (p < 0.0001) and mMRC (p < 0.0001) improvements were detected. There was no statistically significant relationship between the decrease in mMRC and the amount of change occurring in other outcome measurements (p > 0.05). Conclusions: According to the results of our study, PR has a positive effect on exercise capacity, peripheral and respiratory muscle strength and dyspnea in lung transplant candidates. But there was no relationship between these positive developments and dyspnea. There is a need for studies investigating the effects of different clinical features on rehabilitation outcomes.