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Home-Based Prescribed Pulmonary Exercise in Patients with Stable Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Published on: August 24, 2019
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Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation in people with bronchiectasis: a randomised controlled trial
Anderson José1, Anne E Holland2,3, Jessyca P R Selman4
1Postgraduate Program in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physical Functional Performance, Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Juiz de Fora, MG, Brazil.
ERJ Open Research
|June 4, 2021
Summary
Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPR) improved functional capacity and quality of life in bronchiectasis patients short-term. However, these benefits were not sustained 6 months post-intervention.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Rehabilitation Science
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Bronchiectasis is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by irreversible airway dilation.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation is crucial for managing symptoms and improving quality of life in patients with chronic lung diseases.
- Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPR) offers a potential alternative to center-based programs, increasing accessibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the short- and long-term effects of HBPR on functional capacity, quality of life, muscle strength, dyspnoea, and physical activity in individuals with bronchiectasis.
- To compare the efficacy of HBPR against a control group receiving standard recommendations.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 63 participants with bronchiectasis.
- The intervention group underwent 8 weeks of HBPR, including aerobic and resistance exercises, 3 times/week.
- The control group received advice to walk 3 times/week. Outcomes were assessed pre-intervention, post-intervention, and at 6-month follow-up.
Main Results:
- Immediately after the intervention, the HBPR group showed significant improvements in the incremental shuttle walk test (ISWT) distance compared to the control group (87.9m difference).
- Significant between-group differences favoring HBPR were also observed in endurance shuttle walk test (ESWT), incremental step test, quality of life, and quadriceps strength.
- At the 6-month follow-up, no significant differences between the groups were detected, indicating a loss of benefits.
Conclusions:
- Home-based pulmonary rehabilitation (HBPR) is an effective short-term intervention for improving key outcomes in patients with bronchiectasis.
- The positive effects of HBPR on functional capacity and quality of life were not maintained at the 6-month follow-up.
- Further research is needed to explore strategies for long-term maintenance of benefits from HBPR in bronchiectasis.
