A comparison trial of eight weeks versus twelve weeks of exercise program in interstitial lung diseases

Background: Exercise training have been shown to be the effective approach for functional outcomes in interstitial lung diseases (ILD). In many studies, the duration of exercise programs (EPs) varies between 8-12 weeks. However, the optimal duration of EPs is still unknown. Objective: In our prospective non-controlled study, we aimed to compare the results of the 8^th week with the results of the 12^th week of the PR programs applied to the patients with ILD. Methods: A total of 14 patients [Age; 63(53,70) years, body mass index: 28(25,32) kg/m², disease duration; 1.5 (1,4) years] with ILD [11 idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, 2 sarcoidosis (stage 3 and 4) and 1 nonspecific interstitial pneumonia] were included in the study. 6-minute walk test, pulmonary function test, arterial blood gas analysis, mMRC dyspnea scale, quality of life questionnaires and hospital anxiety depression scale were performed at before and 8 and 12 weeks after the program. Results: 6-minute walk distance, dyspnea, anxiety, depression and quality of life improved both at 8^th and 12^th week after EP when compared the with the initial assessment(P<0.05). When compared with 8^th week; mMRC dyspnea score, 6-minute walk distance and quality of life scores significantly improved at 12^th weeks (P=0.046, P=0.016, P<0.05, respectively). Conclusions: Prolonging duration of the EPs results in more improvement in functional outcomes in patients with ILD. However, it has no effect on pulmonary functions and arterial blood gas results. (Sarcoidosis Vasc Diffuse Lung Dis 2018; 35: 299-307).