Efficacy of pulmonary rehabilitation on patient-reported outcomes in interstitial lung disease: A quasi-experimental...

Interstitial lung disease (ILD), including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), causes progressive lung scarring, reduced exercise capacity, and impaired quality of life (HRQOL). While pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is well-documented in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), its benefits in ILD remain less established, particularly in India. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 3-month PR program in ILD patients.

Conducted at a tertiary care respiratory center in Western Maharashtra, the study included ILD patients who met specific inclusion criteria. Participants underwent baseline and post-PR assessments, including the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), 6-min walk tests (6MWT), and spirometry. The PR program involved guided exercise, patient education, and breathing training, with statistical analyses performed to compare pre- and post-intervention outcomes (p = 0.05). Ethical approval and informed consent were obtained.

Significant improvements in HRQOL were observed, with SGRQ scores showing a statistically significant reduction (p = 0.001). Functional exercise capacity, assessed via the 6MWT, increased by an average of 48 m, surpassing the clinically meaningful threshold. Compliance was high (90 %), but barriers, including transportation issues, financial constraints, physical limitations, and lack of awareness, were identified as challenges to participation.

The 3-month PR program effectively improved HRQOL and functional capacity in ILD patients, with high compliance. Addressing logistical, financial, and educational barriers could further optimize outcomes and ensure broader access to PR interventions.