TITLE:
Perceived Improvements of Quality of Life (QoL) among Patients with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF) in Response to a 6-Week Rehabilitation Program
AUTHORS:
Sameera Peumal Senanayake, Rathugamage Sithija Priyankara Fernando, Heeraluge Erandie Hasini Perera, Ridmi Shashiprabha Maddumage, Athuraliya Gamacharige Kasuni Neranja, Kathaluwa Liyana Kankanamge Tharini Dilanka Sandharenu
KEYWORDS:
IPF, 6MWT, Pulmonary Rehabilitation, QoL, Oxygen Uptake, VO2
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Respiratory Diseases,
Vol.11 No.2,
March
12,
2021
ABSTRACT: Idiopathic
pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, life-limiting with an average life
expectancy of 05 years following the onset of the disease, with no curative
treatments. These patients need palliative care and rehabilitation is one of
the methods that can be used to improve quality of life (QoL) among these
patients. Yet the research conducted to assess benefits of pulmonary
rehabilitation (PR) in terms of improving physical activity and QoL in IPF
patients remains limited. Hence this study aims to evaluate the effect of a
bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation programme, on the physical, physiological and
psychological parameters and improvements of QoL among IPF patients. Eleven
(11) subjects with IPF received 6 weeks of pulmonary rehabilitation. An interviewer
administered quality of life questionnaire, six-minute walking test (6MWT),
Incremental bicycle exercise tests were performed, and cardiac and respiratory parameters were assessed pre- and
post-rehabilitation. The 6MWT was significantly increased following
training (Pre 312.55 ± 89.99; Post, 380.73 ± 59.60). A significant improvement was observed in overall QoL (2.226 ±
0.026), dyspnoea (-0.455 ± 0.004) anxiety (-2.070 ± 0.038), depression (-2.217 ± 0.027) scores. No significant changes were found in the VO2 max and other cardiopulmonary parameters, while non-significant improvement was
seen in SpO2 at peak exercise from 85.8 - 86.5. Bespoke pulmonary rehabilitation program is beneficial in short
term improvement of the functional exercise capacity, dyspnoea and QoL among
IPF patients.