ILD and Pulmonary Rehab Article

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Well, as many already know it is a good thing. Now there is actually a study

that confirms that PR is good for ILD patients.

CHEST. 2009;135(2):442-447. ©2009 American College of Chest Physicians

Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Interstitial Lung Disease: Benefits and Predictors

of Response

Ferreira, MD; Garvey, FNP; Gerilynn L. Connors, RRT; Lana Hilling,

RCP; Rigler, RRT; Farrell, RRT; Cindy Cayou, RCP; Cyrus Shariat, MD;

Harold R. Collard, MD, FCCP

Abstract

Background: Data examining the role of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in

interstitial lung disease (ILD) are limited. We tested the hypothesis that PR

can improve functional status and dyspnea in a large group of patients with ILD,

and that certain baseline patient variables can predict this improvement.

Methods: Data from patients who were referred to PR with a diagnosis of ILD were

included. Baseline and post-PR variables were recorded, and changes in 6-min

walk test (6MWT) distance and dyspnea were evaluated. The impact of baseline

variables on change in 6MWT distance and dyspnea were analyzed.

Results: A statistically significant difference was seen in both the change in

Borg score and 6MWT distance after PR (p < 0.0001). These changes were

consistent with previously established clinically significant differences.

Baseline 6MWT distance was a significant predictor of change in 6MWT distance (p

< 0.0001), with increasing baseline 6MWT distance predicting a smaller

improvement after PR.

Conclusions: These results suggest that PR should be considered as a standard of

care for patients with ILD.