Benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND

Information on the benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is growing, but PR's effects on certain important outcomes is lacking.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot study of PR in IPF and analyzed changes in functional capacity, fatigue, anxiety, depression, sleep, and health status from baseline to after completion of a standard, 6-week PR program.

RESULTS

Six-min walk distance improved a mean ± standard error 202 ± 135 feet (P = .01) from baseline. Fatigue Severity Scale score also improved significantly, declining an average 1.5 ± 0.5 points from baseline. There were trends toward improvement in anxiety, depression, and health status.

CONCLUSIONS

PR improves functional capacity and fatigue in patients with IPF. (Clinical Trials.gov registration NCT00692796.)