The inclusion of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) as part of the management of pulmonary fibrosis although being highly recommended and recommended in guidelines still sees studies exploring the outcomes from such an intervention limited. The present study aims to contribute to the available literature by investigating the effects of a high intensity, 12week PR programme on functional and quality of life measures in patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis. This study reports outcomes of an observational, quasi experimental type of study. A total of 120 participants were recruited: 60 patients formed part of the active group, another 60 patients were enrolled in an inactive group. Each participant was classified according to the modified Medical Research Council dyspnoea scale and placed in one of 5 categories (0 to 4) according to self-perceived breathlessness during daily activities. The following outcomes were measured: Lung function tests including plethysmography and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide (DLCO), functional tests (6-minute walking test, Dyspnoea Borg Scale) and Health status measures (St George's Respiratory Questionnaire and HAD score).
The inclusion of Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) as part of the management of pulmonary fibrosis although being highly recommended and recommended in guidelines still sees studies exploring the outcomes from such an intervention limited. The present study aims to contribute to the available literature by investigating the effects of a high intensity, 12week PR programme on functional and quality of life measures in patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis.