Long-term Effect of Pulmonary Rehabilitation in Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients

Post-pulmonary tuberculosis (post-PTB) sequelae, including impaired lung function, reduced exercise capacity, and diminished quality of life (QoL), pose significant challenges even after successful anti-tuberculosis treatment. While pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an established intervention for chronic respiratory diseases, its long-term effectiveness in post-PTB patients is not well-documented. This study aimed to evaluate the long-term impact of an 8-week outpatient PR program on respiratory function, exercise performance, and QoL in post-PTB patients.

In a randomized controlled trial, 90 post-PTB patients aged ≥18 years were allocated to either the PR group or a control group. The PR program included supervised endurance and resistance training, breathing exercises, and patient education, delivered over 8 weeks. Primary outcomes, including the 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), and pulmonary function tests, were assessed at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and at 12 months. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA.

The PR group demonstrated significant and sustained improvements across all measures. The 6MWD increased by 217 meters post-PR and remained 143 meters higher at 12 months (P < 0.05). SGRQ scores showed a 28-point reduction post-PR and a 32-point reduction at 12 months (P < 0.05). FEV1 improved by 41% post-PR, and by 45% at 12 months (P < 0.05). No significant changes were observed in the control group.

An 8-week PR program delivers long-term benefits in respiratory function, exercise capacity, and QoL in post-PTB patients. Incorporating PR into post-PTB care is a promising strategy to mitigate chronic sequelae and enhance patient outcomes.