Pulmonary rehabilitation improves long-term outcomes in interstitial lung disease: A prospective cohort study

Summary Background Pulmonary rehabilitation improves outcomes in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD), however it is unclear whether these effects are long lasting and which patients benefit most. Methods Patients with ILD were recruited into this prospective cohort study from three pulmonary rehabilitation programs. Patients completed functional assessments (6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and 4-meter walk time) and surveys (quality of life, dyspnea, depression, and physical activity) before rehabilitation, after rehabilitation, and at six months. Changes from baseline were compared using a paired t -test. Independent predictors of change in 6MWD and quality of life were determined using multivariate analysis. Results Fifty-four patients were recruited (22 with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis), 50 patients (93%) completed the rehabilitation program, and 39 returned for six-month follow-up. 6MWD improved 57.6 m immediately after rehabilitation (95% confidence interval (CI) 40.2–75.1 m, p